𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞, 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

By Tashi Tshewang

With just weeks to go before the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship, the Bhutan Bodybuilding Association (BBA) is intensifying its preparations, aiming to provide international exposure and meaningful support for Bhutanese athletes. Scheduled for June 11 to 14, 2025, the championship will feature top athletes from across South Asia. BBA is encouraging local participants to seize this opportunity.

In a preparatory meeting held on March 19, BBA’s president and board members met with athletes and gym owners to discuss the upcoming event and broader plans to develop bodybuilding in the country. The president urged athletes to make full use of this international platform, assuring them of cash prizes and incentives for medal winners. He noted that these rewards recognize athletic excellence and aim to inspire future generations to take up bodybuilding as a competitive sport and a lifestyle.

BBA also shared plans to host similar international events in Bhutan over the next two years. These initiatives aim to give Bhutanese athletes opportunities to compete without traveling abroad, while also strengthening the national bodybuilding scene and encouraging youth participation.

The meeting confirmed that the annual Mr. Bhutan competition, the country’s most prestigious national bodybuilding event, will take place on October 11, 2025. This aligns with the World Bodybuilding Championship in November. While the competition categories will remain the same, BBA announced the introduction of a Men’s Junior Bodybuilding category to promote fitness among young people. However, the category had to be cancelled this year due to only one registration.

The association is also exploring funding strategies, particularly through sponsorships, to support both national and international events. BBA stressed that building a strong bodybuilding community requires collaboration between public institutions and the private sector to ensure that athletes receive the resources and recognition they need.
Despite progress, BBA faces financial constraints. Hosting an international event of this scale requires significant funding, and the support received so far has been limited.

“The major challenge is funding. The budget provided by the government through BOC is not sufficient for organizing such an international event at the optimum level, but with the budget provided and with the support of our President and the board members, we are working very hard to make the event a successful one,” said Sonam Tobgay, General Secretary of BBA.

To fill the financial gap, BBA has turned to the private sector. Some potential sponsors have already offered support, which the association deeply appreciates.

Despite these hurdles, BBA remains optimistic. It plans to make international bodybuilding events a regular feature in Bhutan, with the goal of raising standards and promoting fitness culture throughout the country.

“Our vision is to promote bodybuilding and help people understand the value of leading a healthy lifestyle. If we want to reduce our healthcare expenses as a nation, we need to invest in prevention. Fitness, diet awareness, and mental discipline through sports like bodybuilding are key,” added Sonam Tobgay.

While international exposure plays a major role in athlete development, the Mr. Bhutan competition continues to inspire young athletes. It also opens avenues for careers in personal training and professional competition.
A total of 21 Bhutanese athletes, comprising 12 men and 9 women, have registered for the South Asian Championship. In total, 75 athletes from seven countries- India, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bhutan- are expected to participate.

Among the female participants is Karma Choki from the Royal Bhutan Police. She sees the upcoming championship as a significant milestone.

“I feel it’s a very great opportunity that Bhutan is hosting an international bodybuilding championship. As a female athlete, I see this as a powerful platform for us to grow and show our potential. Women who participate in this sport can improve their physical and mental health, gain confidence, and develop many useful skills. It also promotes gender equality and helps address issues like early pregnancy. We can become role models for young girls and inspire them to pursue their dreams,” she said.

Karma pointed out that while cash prizes are encouraging, the real cost of preparing for competition is much higher.
“Rewards like cash prizes are helpful, but in reality, the amount we receive is much less than what we spend. For most of us, preparing for such competitions requires serious investment in training and especially diet. What is more important than rewards is proper support and knowledge. We need more training about nutrition, especially from people who understand the specific dietary needs of physique athletes. Our training programs should help us increase the volume of workouts and promote muscle growth and strength. We also need to learn proper techniques to reduce the risk of injury. Positive feedback from the community really matters too. Positive self-talk and encouragement help maintain motivation and build confidence.”

She believes that physique sports help individuals form a strong connection with their bodies and that it can benefit youth.

“This sport can really help us develop a strong physique and self-esteem. It gives us the chance to learn, grow, and build a positive relationship with our bodies. Youth can benefit a lot from this by staying healthy and confident. But to make this happen, it’s essential that the government, private sector, or even the community come forward to support women in physique sports. With the right support, more women will be encouraged to join, and we can take this sport to the next level,” she said.

Mahalal Rai, a seasoned athlete, shared his excitement about representing Bhutan in the championship’s men’s athletic physique category up to 167 cm plus 4 kg.

“I feel strong and fully prepared to represent our nation in the prestigious 15th South Asian Bodybuilding Championship. From my diet to my training routines, discipline, and focus, everything has been in place. My wife, Jessica Ghalley, has always stood by me, offering constant support, and I am grateful that friends and family are also behind me. For me, this isn’t just about showing off muscles. It’s a platform to show what we are truly capable of as athletes and individuals.”

Having participated in the World Championship last year, Mahalal brings experience and a renewed sense of purpose to this year’s event.

“The cash prize isn’t my main goal. The real reward is the honor of representing Bhutan on such a grand stage. Through the Mister Bhutan competition, I discovered my own strength and learned so much about proper training and nutrition. It changed my perspective. I am also thankful to the Bhutan Bodybuilding Association for giving us this platform, for supporting athletes like me with training opportunities and materials. Their encouragement makes a huge difference, not only for us now but for the future of bodybuilding in Bhutan,” he added.

Ugyen Pema, another competitor, is also preparing to compete in two women’s categories. As the proprietor of Rooftop Gym and a mother of two, she considers the event a landmark moment.

“As a mother of two and the proprietor of Rooftop Gym, I feel incredibly proud that Bhutan is hosting this year’s international bodybuilding championship. It’s a big step for all of us in the bodybuilding community, especially for female athletes. Competing internationally usually requires a lot of money for travel, food, and accommodation. But with this event happening in Bhutan, it saves us those costs and gives us the rare chance to compete with top athletes right here at home. That’s both exciting and motivating, especially with our own crowd supporting us.”

She explained the demands of competing in the women’s divisions, which include Model Physique, Swimsuit, and Athletic Physique. The Model Physique division is divided into two height-based subcategories: below 155 cm and above 155 cm.

“These categories require a lot of preparation, strict diet, posing practice, costume expenses, and gym training. While the cash prize is a good start, it often doesn’t cover everything we invest. What we really need is ongoing support, especially for women, in the form of proper coaching, nutritional guidance, and motivation from both the government and the community.”

Currently, there are no age or weight divisions for female athletes in Bhutan due to the small number of participants. Ugyen believes this will change as the sport gains popularity.

“In Bhutan, we don’t yet have age or weight-based divisions for women because the number of participants is still small. But as more women take up the sport, having more inclusive categories, including juniors, will really help to grow female participation.”

She is set to compete in the above 155 cm Model Physique category and the Swimsuit Open category.
“This year, we are doing everything we can to encourage more women to take part. Even if you don’t win, the experience and exposure alone are worth it. Having an international championship right here in Bhutan is a golden opportunity. We, as women, must step forward and grab it, not just for ourselves but to inspire the next generation,” she said.