In a historic first for Arunachal Pradesh, 24-year-old Hillang Yajik has emerged as a trailblazer on the international bodybuilding stage, clinching both gold and silver medals at the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship held in Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu.
Yajik, competing in the Women’s Model Physique (up to 155 cm) category, won gold, becoming the first female athlete from Arunachal to achieve such a feat in physique sports at an international level. She also secured a silver medal in a separate division, further solidifying her stature as a rising star in India’s bodybuilding circuit.
A Quiet Climb to Glory
Hailing from the remote Kurung Kumey district, Yajik’s journey has been marked by persistence and grit. Her success did not come overnight. In 2023, she won silver at the 13th Federation Cup in Goa, which qualified her for the 56th Asian Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Championships through the national trials in Kochi.
Despite limited access to professional training facilities and exposure, she has defied odds through self-discipline and community support. Her triumph in Bhutan is a testimony to the untapped talent in India’s Northeast.
A State Rejoices, A Nation Applauds
Following her win, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu praised her “determination and discipline,” while Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein called her a “true inspiration” for the youth, especially women. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also commended her trailblazing spirit, noting that her victory would inspire athletes across the country.
Her achievements have sparked a surge of pride in the state and renewed interest in physique sports, a relatively under-recognized field in India.
Redefining Possibilities for Women in Sports
Yajik’s accomplishments mark a shift in the narrative for women in India’s strength sports. Her medals challenge long-held stereotypes and showcase that competitive bodybuilding is no longer a male-dominated arena.
Sports officials in Arunachal Pradesh have called for increased support, funding, and infrastructure to nurture talent in niche disciplines. “Hillang has shown what is possible with sheer willpower. Now it’s our turn to back athletes like her,” said a senior official from the state bodybuilding federation.
Beyond Medals: A New Chapter for Northeast Indian Sports
Hillang Yajik’s achievement is more than a personal victory — it’s a symbol of rising potential from India’s Northeast. Her success is expected to pave the way for future athletes from remote regions, many of whom lack exposure but possess extraordinary drive.
As she returns to India with her medals, she carries not just pride, but also hope — for herself, for her state, and for a new generation of athletes ready to make history.