Bhutan is set to welcome some of South Asia’s top physique athletes once again as Thimphu prepares to host the 16th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship from June 30 to July 4. The regional event is expected to draw strong participation from across the subcontinent, highlighting the Himalayan nation’s growing presence on the international sporting calendar.
Competitors from eight countries — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka — will gather in the capital to compete for regional titles. Organisers say nearly 200 athletes have already registered, including a sizeable home contingent of 35 Bhutanese participants. Notably, 15 of the local athletes are women, reflecting a steady rise in female participation in physique sports within the region.
Athletes will contest 15 height and weight divisions during the championship. The overall champion will be crowned Mr South Asia 2026, earning a cash prize of USD 5,000 along with the event’s top trophy.
This year’s championship marks the third time Bhutan has hosted the prestigious regional meet, a milestone that organisers believe demonstrates the country’s ability to deliver large-scale sporting events. According to Sonam Penjor (PhD), President of the Bhutan Bodybuilding Association, the opportunity to host again came after positive feedback from last year’s competition.
“We held the championship last year as well, the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding. The organisers of the South Asian Bodybuilding, they sanctioned this event because we did a great job,” Penjor said, expressing gratitude to local organisers and the public for their hospitality. He added that the strong turnout from Bhutanese athletes has generated excitement ahead of the competition.
The championship is being organised by the Bhutan Bodybuilding Association under the South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation, with official sanction from the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation.
Alongside the regional contest, national events will also take place. The association confirmed that the prejudging round for the Mr Bhutan title is scheduled for July 4 in Paro, with the final showdown set to be held in Thimphu on July 5.
As anticipation builds, organisers hope the event will not only showcase elite physique sports but also strengthen Bhutan’s reputation as a welcoming destination for international competitions — while inspiring a new generation of athletes, particularly women, to step onto the regional stage.
