In a remarkable tale of resilience and determination, Hilang Yajik, hailing from Arunachal Pradesh’s remote Kurung Kumey district, has etched her name in history by clinching a gold medal at the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Championships held in Thimphu, Bhutan, from June 11–15, 2025. Her victory in the Women’s Model Physique (up to 155 cm) category, coupled with a silver in another physique division, marks her as the first female physique athlete from Arunachal Pradesh to achieve such a feat on the international stage. Like the sun that rises despite the harshest storms, Hilang’s journey embodies perseverance, balancing academics and athletics while overcoming economic hardships and limited access to training resources.
A Journey Against All Odds
Kurung Kumey, one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most remote and underdeveloped regions, offers little in terms of sports infrastructure, coaches, or competitive opportunities. Yet, these challenges could not dim Hilang’s spirit. With unwavering determination, she juggled her studies and rigorous training, defying financial constraints and a lack of facilities. Her story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise above adversity and achieve greatness.
Rising Through the Ranks
Hilang’s ascent in the world of physique sports has been nothing short of inspiring. Her career timeline reflects her steady progress:
2022: Hilang made her debut at the Federation Cup in Sikkim, securing fourth place in the Women’s Model Physique (>165 cm) category. Later that year, she claimed a silver medal at the Eastern Zone National Championship in the Model Physique category, signaling her potential.
April 2024: At the 13th Federation Cup in Goa, Hilang won a silver in the Sports Physique category, becoming the first woman from Arunachal Pradesh to medal at this prestigious level.
May 2024: Her talent earned her a spot to represent India at the 56th Asian Bodybuilding Championships and the 15th WBPF World Championships, a significant milestone in her career.
June 2025: Hilang’s crowning achievement came at the South Asian Championships in Bhutan, where she won gold in the Women’s Model Physique (up to 155 cm) category and a silver in another physique division, solidifying her status as a trailblazer.
An Inspiration For Youth
Hilang Yajik’s achievements resonate far beyond the medals. As the first female physique athlete from Arunachal Pradesh to win gold at an international level, she has become a symbol of hope for aspiring athletes from remote regions. Her ability to balance education and sports while overcoming systemic challenges showcases her as a role model for young women across India. Hilang’s triumph proves that with grit and determination, no obstacle is too big, and no dream is too distant.
Her victory in Bhutan is not just a personal milestone but a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh and India, illuminating the path for others to follow. As Hilang continues to soar, her story reminds us that, like the sun, she was destined to rise—and rise she did.