Hillang Yajik Becomes First Arunachal Woman to Win Gold in South Asian Bodybuilding 2025

Key Points for SSC, UPSC, and Other Government Exams

  • Event: 15th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2025
  • Venue: Thimphu, Bhutan
  • Winner: Yajik Hillang (India)
  • Achievement: Gold Medal in Women’s Model Physique (upto 155 cm category)
  • Significance: First female physique sports athlete from Arunachal Pradesh to win an international gold
  • Organiser: South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (SABPSF)
  • Recognition: Recognised by World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (WBPF)
  • Duration: 5-day event

Complete Details

Introduction

India’s Yajik Hillang has scripted history by winning the Gold Medal at the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2025, held in Thimphu, Bhutan. She clinched the top spot in the Women’s Model Physique upto 155 cm category, becoming the first female athlete from Arunachal Pradesh to win an international gold medal in physique sports.

About the Event

The South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2025 was organised by the South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (SABPSF). The prestigious event saw participation from multiple South Asian nations and is officially recognised by the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (WBPF).

The championship ran for five days and concluded on 16 June 2025.

Important Facts About Mentioned State/Organisations

Arunachal Pradesh

  • Capital: Itanagar
  • Chief Minister: Pema Khandu
  • Governor: Kaiwalya Trivedi
  • Important National Parks: Namdapha National Park, Mouling National Park
  • Major Rivers: Siang, Subansiri, Kameng, Tirap

Bhutan

  • Capital: Thimphu
  • Prime Minister: Lotay Tshering
  • Currency: Ngultrum

South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (SABPSF)

  • Type: Regional sports governing body for bodybuilding and physique sports
  • Recognition: World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (WBPF)

World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (WBPF)

  • Founded: 2009
  • Headquarters: Singapore
  • Role: Global governing body for bodybuilding and physique sports

Exam-Style MCQs

Q1. Where was the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2025 held?
A) Kathmandu
B) Colombo
C) Thimphu
D) New Delhi

Answer: C) Thimphu

Q2. Which Indian state does Yajik Hillang belong to?
A) Assam
B) Arunachal Pradesh
C) Manipur
D) Sikkim

Answer: B) Arunachal Pradesh

Q3. In which category did Yajik Hillang win the gold medal?
A) Women’s Model Physique upto 160 cm
B) Women’s Model Physique upto 155 cm
C) Women’s Fitness Physique
D) Women’s Bodybuilding

Answer: B) Women’s Model Physique upto 155 cm

Q4. Which organisation recognises the South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships?
A) IOC
B) WBPF
C) FIFA
D) FIBA

Answer: B) WBPF

UPSC-Style FAQs

Q1. Critically examine the significance of Yajik Hillang’s achievement for sports development in North-East India.

Answer:

Yajik Hillang’s gold medal victory at the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2025 holds significant importance for sports development in North-East India. This achievement brings national and international recognition to Arunachal Pradesh, a state often underrepresented in mainstream Indian sports.

Her win serves as an inspiration for women athletes, especially in a male-dominated discipline like bodybuilding and physique sports. It may contribute to increased participation of women from the region in such events, help break social barriers, and encourage infrastructural development in sports facilities.

Moreover, this accomplishment aligns with the Government of India’s focus on promoting sports through initiatives like Khelo India and may lead to greater funding and policy attention to physique sports in the region.

Q2. Discuss the role of regional sports federations like SABPSF in promoting bodybuilding in South Asia.

Answer:

Regional sports federations such as the South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (SABPSF) play a crucial role in standardising bodybuilding competitions, providing a structured platform for athletes, and fostering cross-border sporting ties in South Asia.

SABPSF organises championships that help identify talent and prepare athletes for higher-level global competitions under the guidance of WBPF. These federations ensure that regional athletes are exposed to international best practices in sports governance and athlete welfare.

In addition, they contribute to building diplomatic goodwill through sports, thereby complementing the cultural and political cooperation among South Asian countries.

Q3. How does international recognition by bodies like WBPF enhance the stature of regional competitions?

Answer:

International recognition by bodies such as the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (WBPF) adds legitimacy and credibility to regional competitions like those organised by SABPSF. This recognition ensures that the event adheres to global standards in terms of judging, fairness, and athlete safety.

Such endorsement also opens avenues for regional athletes to qualify for world championships and increases the visibility of the sport in participating countries. Additionally, it facilitates the flow of sponsorships, media attention, and government support, all of which are critical for the sustainable growth of physique sports in the region.