𝐘𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐢 𝐋𝐡𝐚𝐦 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐫 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐱 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

…𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝒅𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

By Tashi Tshewang

Yeshi Lham continued her dominance on the regional bodybuilding stage by winning a gold medal at the Mr Flex 2026 Bodybuilding Championship, Bengal’s premium international bodybuilding show, held on February 1 at Agrasen Bhawan, Trivani Toll, Jaigaon. The 41-year-old gym trainer from Chhukha, currently based in Thimphu, topped the women’s sports physique category, securing her second consecutive title at the championship.

The competition drew strong participation from across the region, with athletes representing Nepal and Indian states including Sikkim, Siliguri, and Assam, highlighting the event’s growing international profile. In total, 59 athletes- five women and 54 men- competed in various categories, making the championship one of the largest and most competitive editions of Mr Flex held in the border town.

Bhutan was also represented in the men’s division, with two Bhutanese athletes competing in the open men’s physique events, further underlining the country’s increasing presence in regional bodybuilding competitions. Known for attracting elite physique athletes, the Mr Flex International Championship has established itself as a major platform for showcasing strength, discipline, and athletic excellence in South Asia.

“I am truly delighted to represent my country and Bhutanese women on the international bodybuilding stage, and this achievement has further motivated me to prepare myself for even bigger and more competitive international events in the future,” said Yeshi Lham, describing the gold medal as a deeply meaningful milestone in her sporting journey.

She said she entered the Mr Flex Championship mentally prepared for the pressure of international competition and remained committed to her physical conditioning throughout the preparation period. Following a disciplined gym routine supported by a strict diet and carefully planned training timetable allowed her to perform with confidence and consistency against strong regional competitors.

“I would encourage today’s youth, especially women, to participate in bodybuilding and fitness sports, as proper training not only improves health and physical strength but also builds confidence and opens up many opportunities. It allows women to challenge stereotypes, achieve personal success, and make their country proud,” she said.

Sonam Tobgay, General Secretary of the Bhutan Bodybuilding Association, said, “An international gold medal victory such as Yeshi Lham’s performance at the Mr Flex 2026 Championship holds significant importance for the growth of bodybuilding in Bhutan, as it brings the sport into the national spotlight and generates wider public interest and recognition.”

He said such visibility has the potential to reshape public perception of bodybuilding in the country, particularly by encouraging young athletes and women who may not have previously considered the sport as an achievable pathway or who still view it as a male-dominated discipline. It also reinforces confidence among existing athletes that Bhutanese bodybuilders can compete at international standards when provided with the right platforms and exposure.

He added, “By organising national championships, hosting the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships in 2025, and working with the Bhutan Olympic Committee to bring sanctioned regional and international competitions to Bhutan, we are creating structured opportunities for athletes, aligning training with global standards, and expanding women’s categories such as Model Physique to support greater female participation at regional and international levels.”

“I was present at the venue watching the competition when Yeshi Lham secured first place, and it was a deeply proud and emotional moment for me because this was her second consecutive win. It felt like a victory not just for her but for the entire nation,” said Mahalal Rai, Mr Bhutan, adding that her performance once again proved the growing strength and potential of Bhutanese bodybuilders on international platforms.

He said witnessing her achievement in person reminded him that success in bodybuilding is built on strong self-belief and constant effort, and that dedication, determination, strict discipline, and maintaining a proper diet are essential elements that shape an athlete’s journey, while commitment and consistency over time play a crucial role in reaching higher levels of competition.

“As bodybuilders, we continue to face many challenges when trying to compete at the international level because access to advanced training facilities and professional coaching is still limited, and financial support is also very important as there are many expenses involved in preparation, travel, diet, and participation. With stronger backing and opportunities, I believe Bhutanese athletes can achieve even greater success in the future,” he said.

“Yeshi Lham’s international gold medal is a proud moment for all of us, and it reinforces what I have always believed through my own journey: that Bhutanese women are fully capable of competing and winning on the global stage when given the opportunity,” said Ugyen Pema, winner of the 14th National Bodybuilding Women’s Model Physique category.

She added that such victories help break stereotypes around strength and femininity and show that discipline, resilience, and hard work can take Bhutanese women beyond national borders. Women in Bhutan continue to face multiple challenges while pursuing bodybuilding, including social perceptions where muscular women are often misunderstood or discouraged, limited financial support for training and competition, and the difficulty of balancing family responsibilities alongside a demanding fitness routine. She noted that stronger government support, sponsorship opportunities, awareness, and encouragement from families would help more women confidently take up the sport.

“To young Bhutanese girls, I want to say that your strength is not something to hide but something to celebrate, because your health, confidence, and self-belief truly matter. Fitness and strength sports can empower you in ways that go far beyond the gym, so start for yourself, stay disciplined, and believe that your dreams are achievable,” she said.