GANGTOK,: Kamal Rasaily of BodyVibe Gym and Sapna Sunar of Hardcore Himalayan Gym clinched the 6th Strongest Man and Woman of 2024 titles, respectively. The winners received Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 7,000 in cash prizes.
The Rawfit Gym Unisex Fitness Studio, in collaboration with the Body Building Association of Sikkim, organised the 6th Strongest Man and 5th Strongest Woman Championship at the Deorali Community Hall on Sunday evening. A total of 72 participants across Sikkim participated in the championship.
In the female category, Pavitra Rai emerged as the sub-junior Women Champion of Champions, while Rukila Bhutia claimed the Junior Champion of Champions title. Similarly, Saraswati Rasaily secured the Masters Women title.
In the male category, Pemba Sherpa emerged as the Men's Sub-Junior champion, while Tshegel Tamang and Chewang Bhutia secured the titles in the Men's Junior and Masters Men categories, respectively.
The event was graced by esteemed guests, including Akash Singh, a 100% Raw Powerlifting Asian Competition participant; Akash Pradhan, Global Model India; Pempa Tamang, an international medalist; Pem Dorjee Bhutia, an international athlete and Iron Man; and social activist Pabitra Gurung. Sabita Pradhan, the councillor from Deorali, was the special guest of honour, while Prashad Chettri was represented as a special guest. Chungchung Bhutia, a member of Raw Fit Gym, also attended the event, serving as the treasurer of the All Sikkim Chalak Association.
The panel of judges was comprised of Hamnath Siwakoti as the chief referee, Leomit Lepcha, Manisha Tiwari, Tshering Sherpa, and Dhyanchand Rai as the side referees, with Pempa Tamang serving as the main referee.
Speaking to the media, general secretary Pema W.D. Bhutia announced that this annual programme will continue in the upcoming years, featuring a blend of strength and powerlifting competitions. Next year's event will introduce a fresh format with new games, he added.
The official executive discussions are leaning towards holding the Mr. Sikkim competition in Namchi, making it the biggest championship of 2024, scheduled for June. Additionally, plans are in motion to organise national events such as the North East Championship within Sikkim itself, it was informed.
A meeting for the North East Championship is scheduled in Guwahati in May 2024, involving representatives from Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Shillong, and other northeastern States. The venue for the championship will be announced soon. There are hopes that Sikkim will host the 2024 North East Championship after June, Bhutia said.
Addressing the media, Saraswati Rasaily, the most senior athlete in the championship from the women category, conveyed her heartfelt appreciation to the organising members for providing her with a platform to showcase her abilities, expressing immense joy at being a part of the championship and securing a position.
The event buzzed with energy and enthusiasm throughout, drawing sports enthusiasts who stayed engaged until the very end.
Attendees included youth, members of different gyms, friends, and families of the participants, as well as various national and international players.