Thinley Namgay

Bhutanese bodybuilder Sonam Phuntsho stood  fourth in two categories—men’s bodybuilding up to 70kg and the master’s category (40-49 age group) up to 80kg—at the 56th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship (ABPSC) held from August 6 to 12 in Batam, Indonesia.

Forty-year-old Sonam Phuntsho, from Trashigang, is one of Bhutan’s senior bodybuilders, having ventured into bodybuilding since 2004.

He was the sole participant from Bhutan at the ABPSC, competing through personal expenditure after receiving approval from the Bhutan Olympic Committee and the Bhutan Bodybuilding Association.

In the up to 70kg category, he followed contenders from Brunei, Malaysia, and India. In the up to 80kg Master’s category, he was behind participants from Thailand, Brunei, and Malaysia.

Organised by the Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation, along with the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation, the Championship saw hundreds of contestants from 22  Asian countries. 

“I trained rigorously for the competition since January. I am happy to have placed fourth in both categories. I aimed for first or second place, but sometimes, luck plays a role in these competitions,” Sonam Phuntsho said.

He added that after his fourth appearance in a major international bodybuilding championship, landing in the top four in Asia is a special achievement in his career.  “Competing in such a prestigious championship not only helps gain exposure but also promotes our country,” he said.

An entrepreneur by profession, Sonam Phuntsho believes that while it is always challenging to compete with world-class bodybuilders, Bhutanese athletes have equal opportunity and talent to succeed, provided they work hard with determination, discipline, and consistent training.

He aspires to continue his bodybuilding career, adding that bodybuilding culture in Bhutan is gaining momentum, and that young people have many opportunities in this field.  “Youth can start their careers as bodybuilders and eventually become trainers. One can make a living through bodybuilding,” Sonam Phuntsho said.