🏆 Hillang Yajik Creates History with Gold at South Asian Bodybuilding Championships – 2025

In a remarkable achievement that has reverberated across India’s 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 Women’s 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.

🎖️ From Humble Beginnings to the International Podium – Hillang Yajik

Hillang’s 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 tall—literally and figuratively—emerging as a trailblazer for India and the Northeast.

👏 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: “She’s written a new chapter in Indian sports. Congratulations to Hillang Yajik for making the nation proud!”
• Arunachal Bodybuilding Association (ABA) President Nabam Tuna added: “This is the moment we’ve been waiting for. Hillang’s win will inspire a new generation, especially young women, to take up physique sports.”

🧠 More Than Muscle: Her Story Inspires – Hillang Yajik

Yajik’s rise is not just about physique—it’s about passion, purpose, and persistence. A Master’s 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.

🏁 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 Women’s Physique category at both events.

🌈 Impact Beyond the Medal

Hillang’s gold medal shines a spotlight on women’s sports in India’s 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 women’s sports development campaigns across the state.

📌 Final Word

Hillang Yajik’s journey is a story of power—with purpose. Her gold and silver medals don’t just adorn her trophy cabinet—they 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.

📢 Follow BiGG Sports NEWS for updates on her road to the Asian and World Championships.