Hillang Yajik, a name resonating with pride and strength, is rapidly becoming the new face of female bodybuilding in India. Hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, this young athlete has etched her name in the history books by becoming the first woman from her state to win an international gold medal in physique sports. Her recent triumph at the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2025, held in Thimphu, Bhutan, has not only brought glory to India but has also ignited a spark of inspiration among aspiring athletes, particularly women in the Northeast region.
Yajik's journey to success is a testament to her unwavering dedication, discipline, and determination. At the Championships in Bhutan, which took place from June 11th to 15th, 2025, she secured a gold medal in the Women's Model Physique category (up to 155 cm) and a silver medal in another category, showcasing her exceptional talent and hard work. This remarkable achievement has been lauded by prominent figures, including Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, who have acknowledged her trailblazing spirit and contribution to the nation.
The President of the Arunachal Bodybuilding Association (ABA), Nabam Tuna, has also praised Yajik's achievement, emphasizing that it is a "national honor" and highlights her role in placing Arunachal Pradesh on the global bodybuilding map. Her success is expected to motivate a new generation of athletes from the Northeast to pursue excellence in physique sports, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes along the way.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Hillang Yajik expressed her aspirations to inspire more women from her state to take up bodybuilding, a sport that is not yet widely popular among females in the region. She also revealed her ambitions to compete in Asian and World Championships, aiming to win more medals for India and further solidify her position as a leading figure in the sport. She started bodybuilding randomly, but then she got inspired and she took the sport seriously. She also wants to become a police officer.
Yajik's story is particularly significant in a society where female bodybuilding often faces societal taboos and a lack of resources. She has defied these challenges with her sheer hard work and commitment, becoming an inspiration for women who aspire to break free from traditional gender roles and embrace their physical strength.
While Hillang Yajik is making waves on the international stage, she joins a growing number of Indian female bodybuilders who are challenging norms and achieving remarkable feats. For instance, in 2016, Deepika Chowdhury became the first Indian woman to achieve professional status in bodybuilding. More recently, Chitra Purushotham from Karnataka has garnered attention for breaking beauty standards with her powerful bridal look, showcasing her well-defined muscles in a traditional saree. Also, 43-year-old Pratibha Thapliyal became the first Indian female bodybuilder to win a medal in the World Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Championship in 2023. These women, along with others like Bani J, Shweta Rathore and Sonali Swami, are redefining perceptions of femininity and inspiring countless others to pursue their passion for fitness and bodybuilding.
Hillang Yajik's journey is not just about personal achievement; it's about inspiring change and empowering women to embrace their strength and challenge societal norms. As she continues to compete and excel on the global stage, she is poised to become a role model for aspiring female bodybuilders in India and beyond, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in the world of sports.
