Soldier Lobzang Kuenga from Tsakaling won this year’s Nyagoe, strong man, title from Mongar. He completed the race in 13 minutes 41 seconds. This is his second contest in the competition.

The competition was held at the public ground in Mongar on September 10.

Of 11 contestants in the competition, only three contestants could complete the race.

After seven contestants gave up on the lifting the sand bag, hundreds of spectators who had gathered to witness the competition, left the ground.

The rest of them were disqualified since they could not lift the sand bag, weighing 110kg, and complete the race.

The 28-year-old, Lobzang Kuenga also experienced the same challenge in lifting the sand bag but after a few attempts, finally he could lift it up.

Lobzang Kuenga said he practiced while working on his farm. He participated in 2015 too but his preparations feel short and stood only second.

“I am contesting for the second time hoping to win the race,” he said.

He said it was difficult to  lift the sand bag because, there was a heavy down pour the day before. However, other parts of the competition were easier for him.

“I would try to make our dzongkhag proud on the national day this year,” Lobzang Kuenga said. “I would practice more hereafter since there is a long way to go for the final  event.”

The race includes pulling a log, lifting and carrying a bag of sand, tyres, and the log for 50 meters, and chopping it.

Lobzang’s elder brother, Yeshi Dorji, 33, came second. He completed the drill in 15 minutes 19 seconds while Sangay Khando from Silambi gewog stood third completing the race in 32 minutes.

After seven contestants gave up on the lifting the sand bag, hundreds of expectators who had gathered to witness the competition, left the ground. Some expectators said that no one will be qualified from the dzongkhag this year.

The winner was awarded Nu 15,000 while the other two runners up took home cash prize of Nu 10,000 and Nu 5000 each.

There were 11 contestants from six gewogs of Mongar. The contestants were aged 19 to 36.

The competition was organised by the dzongkhag administration.

Tashi Phuntsho | Mongar

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