Hillang Yajik from Arunachal creates history; double medal at Asian Bodybuilding Championships

Hilang Yajik from Arunachal Pradesh created history by winning a double medal at the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship. Hillang won a gold and a silver in both events at the championship held in Thimphu, Bhutan. This is the first time a woman athlete from India has won gold in an international tournament in this sport.

Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated Hillang through an ex-post. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju from the state also praised the athlete. It is hoped that Yajik's success will inspire a new generation of athletes from the northeast to excel in physical sports.

Hillang Yajik is the first female bodybuilder from Arunachal to win a gold medal at an international championship. "Not only is her individual success, but also the fact that she has been able to represent India on the global stage is remarkable," said Arunachal Bodybuilding Association (ABA) President Nabam Tuna in a statement, praising Yajik's achievement.

The championship, hosted by the Bhutan Bodybuilding Association, saw the participation of several South Asian countries. It was a championship recognized by the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (WBPF) and the Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (ABPF).

The 25-year-old Yajik came into the limelight last year when she was selected to represent India at the 56th Asian Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Championships. She also participated in the 15th WBPF World Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Championship.

Born in Kurung Kume, Arunachal Pradesh, Yajik qualified for the selection trials conducted by the Indian Bodybuilders Federation and the Bodybuilding Association of Kerala, located in Ernakulam, Kerala. After passing the selection trials, she qualified for the Asian Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Championship and the 2024 World Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Championship.