Pradeep Rai wins 25th Mr. Sikkim Bodybuilding Championship 2026

HISHEY WANGDI

GANGTOK,: The Sikkim State Bodybuilding Association (SSBBA) organised the 25th Mr. Sikkim and 8th Men’s and Women’s Physique Bodybuilding Championship 2026 at Saramsa Garden, Ranipool, here on Saturday.

Pradeep Rai emerged as the winner of the 25th Mr. Sikkim Bodybuilding Championship, claiming the top title at the State-level competition.

Contractors’ Association president Sonam Sherpa attended the event as the chief guest, while Health and Family Welfare chairman Phurba Rinzing Sherpa was present as the guest of honour.

The championship aimed to promote bodybuilding, physical fitness, sportsmanship and youth development in Sikkim by providing athletes with a platform to showcase their physique, strength and dedication to the sport.

Speaking to the media, Phurba Rinzing Sherpa congratulated the SSBBA on successfully organising the 25th edition of the Mr. Sikkim championship. He described the event as an important initiative to motivate and inspire young people to pursue fitness and bodybuilding.

He emphasised that bodybuilding was not merely about physical appearance but also about developing inner strength, discipline and self-confidence. He also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) and SKM Youth president Lakpa Moktan for their support and encouragement.

Chief guest Sonam Sherpa also congratulated the association for organising the championship and said the event reflected the growing awareness of health and fitness among Sikkim’s youth. He highlighted the importance of encouraging young people to adopt physical fitness and healthy lifestyles.

Referring to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s vision of the Nasha Mukt Sikkim Abhiyaan, he stated that initiatives promoting sports and fitness could play an important role in encouraging youth to stay away from substance abuse and embrace a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

Meanwhile, SSBBA president Arun Kumar Gurung highlighted the challenges faced by the association in organising the championship, particularly due to unfavourable weather conditions, as the region had experienced rainfall over the past few days.

He informed that contestants representing nine gyms affiliated with the association from different parts of Sikkim were participating in the championship.

Although the overall turnout was not particularly large, he expressed satisfaction with the quality of participants, highlighting the standard and calibre of the athletes competing in the event.