Historic Day for Bhutan in Bodybuilding — Dr. Sonam Penjor Elected Vice President of Asian Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Federation

Bangkok, Thailand | August 19, 2025 – A historic chapter has just been written for Bhutan in the world of bodybuilding. This afternoon, during the Annual General Congress of the Asian Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Federation (ABBF) in Bangkok, Dr. Sonam Maekay Penjor, President of the Bhutan Bodybuilding Association, was unanimously elected Vice President of ABBF.

This makes Dr. Penjor the first Bhutanese to hold this position in Asian bodybuilding history, a recognition that cements Bhutan’s growing influence in the sport. He was the first Bhutanese to be elected as Vice President of the South Asian Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Federation earlier this year—and now, just months later, he becomes the first Bhutanese to be elected as Vice President of the Asian Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Federation.

Speaking moments after the announcement, an emotional yet composed Dr. Penjor said:
“This is not just my achievement—it is Bhutan’s. For the first time, our nation’s voice will resonate in the heart of Asia’s bodybuilding movement. I dedicate this honor to every Bhutanese athlete who has worked tirelessly, and to the youth who dare to dream beyond boundaries. The journey has just begun.”

Meanwhile, four athletes from Bhutan—Sonam Phuntsho, Dawa Tashi, Chencho, and Ugyen Pema—are in Bangkok to compete at the 19th South East Asian & 57th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship 2025, which runs from August 18–25, 2025, organized by the Thailand Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Association under ABBF. They are accompanied by Dr. Penjor and General Secretary Sonam Tobgay.

Another Bombshell: World Bodybuilding Championship 2027 in Bhutan

In another groundbreaking confirmation, the ABBF also announced that the World Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Championship 2027 will be hosted in Bhutan—a first in the nation’s history. This mega event, scheduled for December 2027, is expected to bring the world’s best athletes to Bhutan and put the Himalayan kingdom firmly on the global bodybuilding map.

On this historic announcement, Dr. Penjor shared his vision:
“Hosting the World Championship in 2027 will be a defining moment not only for bodybuilding but for Bhutan as a nation. The world will witness our culture, our values, and our spirit of unity. We are ready to welcome athletes from every corner of the globe to the Land of the Thunder Dragon, and show that even a small nation can create a stage worthy of the world.”

This dual announcement—the elevation of a Bhutanese leader to Asia’s top bodybuilding governance and Bhutan’s selection as the 2027 host nation—marks a defining moment in the country’s sporting history.

Adding to this, Sonam Tobgay emphasized the significance of the announcement:
“The confirmation that Bhutan will host the World Bodybuilding Championship in 2027 is a dream come true for all of us. This is not just about a competition—it is about showcasing the strength of our people, the beauty of our country, and the spirit of Bhutan on the global stage. The world will come to Bhutan, and we will rise to the occasion with pride, unity, and excellence.”

For a small nation with a big heart, today proves once again: Bhutan is ready to flex on the world stage.