In a remarkable achievement that has reverberated across Indiaâs sporting landscape, Hillang Yajik, a 24-year-old athlete from Kurung Kumey district in Arunachal Pradesh, clinched a historic gold medal at the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships held in Thimphu, Bhutan.
Representing India in the Womenâs Model Physique (up to 155 cm) category, Yajik also brought home a silver medal in another category, making her the first woman from Arunachal Pradesh to win an international bodybuilding title.
đď¸ From Humble Beginnings to the International Podium – Hillang Yajik
Hillangâs journey began far from the limelight. Raised in the remote hills of Arunachal Pradesh, she juggled academic pursuits with fitness training and self-funded competitions. Her national breakthrough came with a silver medal at the 13th Federation Cup in Goa and consistent performances at the Eastern Zone Nationals in Kolkata and Kochi.
Her determination culminated in her selection to represent India at the South Asian Championships, where she faced off against top athletes from countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Hillang stood tallâliterally and figurativelyâemerging as a trailblazer for India and the Northeast.
đ National Leaders and Sporting Icons React – Hillang Yajik
The achievement drew praise from the highest levels of government and sports bodies.
- Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu tweeted: “History created! Hillang Yajik wins gold and silver for India in Bhutan. A proud moment for Arunachal and the nation. You are a true inspiration!”
- Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who hails from the same state, wrote: “Sheâs written a new chapter in Indian sports. Congratulations to Hillang Yajik for making the nation proud!”
- Arunachal Bodybuilding Association (ABA) President Nabam Tuna added: âThis is the moment weâve been waiting for. Hillangâs win will inspire a new generation, especially young women, to take up physique sports.â
đ§ More Than Muscle: Her Story Inspires – Hillang Yajik
Yajikâs rise is not just about physiqueâitâs about passion, purpose, and persistence. A Masterâs student in Political Science, she also works as a fitness trainer, teaches dance, and actively mentors girls in local schools.
She broke through gender and geographic barriers, training often without advanced facilities, relying on local support and sheer will.
đ Next Stop: Asia and the World
Hillang is now preparing for two major international events:
- 56th Asian Bodybuilding Championships in Batam, Indonesia
- WBPF World Championships in the Maldives
Backed by the Arunachal Olympic Association and the Indian Bodybuilding Federation, she is expected to lead India’s charge in the Womenâs Physique category at both events.
đ Impact Beyond the Medal
Hillangâs gold medal shines a spotlight on womenâs sports in Indiaâs Northeast, a region often overlooked in mainstream athletics. Her success is already sparking interest among girls in the region to pursue bodybuilding, fitness, and competitive sports.
Her story is now being used in local youth empowerment programs and womenâs sports development campaigns across the state.
đ Final Word
Hillang Yajikâs journey is a story of powerâwith purpose. Her gold and silver medals donât just adorn her trophy cabinetâthey carry the hopes of a generation ready to rise from the hills of Arunachal to the stages of the world. She is, quite literally, sculpting a stronger, more inclusive future for Indian sports.
đ˘ Follow BiGG Sports NEWS for updates on her road to the Asian and World Championships.
