In a historic and proud moment for India, two talented women from the Northeast have brought international glory to the nation at the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2025, held in Thimphu, Bhutan.
Arunachal Pradesh’s Yajik Hillang delivered a trailblazing performance by winning the Gold Medal in the Women’s Model Physique (up to 155 cm) category. Her achievement marks a significant milestone—she is now the first female athlete from Arunachal Pradesh to clinch a Gold medal in an international physique sports event. Yajik’s victory is not only a personal triumph but also a moment of pride for the entire state and a shining example of the rising power of women in Indian sports.
Joining her on the podium was Tripura’s Rita Nag, popularly known as Shreya, who secured the Bronze Medal in the same category. This achievement is equally momentous as Rita becomes the first female bodybuilder from Tripura to win a medal at an international physique sports championship. Her coach and the President of the Tripura Body Builders and Fitness Association hailed her win as a historic breakthrough for the state.
The prestigious championship, officially recognized by the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation, kicked off on June 11 and drew elite athletes from across South Asia. Competitors from various countries battled it out across multiple bodybuilding and physique categories, showcasing the growing popularity and fierce competition in the sport.
Yajik Hillang and Rita Nag’s victories not only highlight the potential of female athletes from the Northeast but also signal a shift in India’s fitness and bodybuilding landscape. Their success is expected to inspire a new generation of young women to break barriers and dream big on the international stage.With their medals, both athletes have etched their names in the history books and brought immense pride to India—and especially to their home states—proving that determination, hard work, and perseverance truly pay off.