Hillang Yajik becomes the first woman from Arunachal Pradesh to win gold at the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2025
Somewhat reticent, a little anxious and fiercely proud, Hillang Yajik, as she spoke to The Tribune, was a bundle of emotions. Something that started ‘randomly’ eight years back, catapulted Hillang to the world stage, winning her a gold at the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2025 in Thimphu, Bhutan.
A dancer and a civil services aspirant from Arunachal Pradesh, Yajik became the first woman athlete from Arunachal Pradesh to win a gold in physique sports at an international tournament.
“When I started bodybuilding, many people told me that I inspired them. So, I continued my journey inspiring others and myself along the way,” she said.
She won two medals at the recently held championship — a gold medal in the Women’s Model Physique (up to 155 cm) category and a silver medal in another category. Yajik credits Subhashish Patra, her coach, for this feat. “My coach did not charge a single rupee as fee from me. He said he saw potential in me and helped me get to such a huge platform,” she shared.
Daughter of a government employee and a homemaker, Hillang is the new queen of social media, with sportsperson and politicians lauding her win.
“Last year I failed to win any international medal. Though disheartened I didn’t give up. I worked harder and gave my 110 per cent this time,” posted jubilant Hillang Yajik soon after her win. “This medal I dedicate to my nation, my state Arunachal, my coach @primeoptimus_123 and lastly to myself,” she posted on her Instagram account, adding, “PS more championship are on the way …,” she penned alongside the pictures of the win. She posed majestically in glassy heels and a glittery green bikini, flaunting her envious physique.
Her coach Subhashish Patra took to the social media platform to heap praises. “U just lived a dream of millions…the moment when the national anthem being played for you representing INDIA, it’s bigger than every achievement… Proud of you…Bless You…We will definitely be achieving many more such moments of pride for our nation…”
More power to this dynamic duo. Hillang’s win comes close to another prestigious Indian victory in body building. Recently the first turbaned IBBF athlete from Sirsa, Sunmeet Singh, qualified for participating in Mr Olympia 2025.
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