HRH grants cash soelras

Bodybuilding: The president of the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC), His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, granted an audience on Thursday, to the athletes, coach and officials from the Bhutan Bodybuilding and Weightlifting Federation, who took part in the 49th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Championship at Tashkent in Uzbekistan.

A total of four athletes represented Bhutan. Sangay Tsheltrim won two medals in two rounds, the first ever in the championships history. Sangay bagged a gold in the Men’s Athletic Physique up to 175 cm category and a silver medal in Men’s Fitness open category. Karma Gyembo bagged 5th place in bodybuilding 85 kgs category and Kinley Wangmo took the 5th position in the Women’s Athletic Physique in the 165 cm category.

HRH awarded Sangay Tsheltrim with a cheque of Nu 500,000. Nu 300,000 was for bagging the gold and Nu 200,000 for the silver. The team’s national coach Sonam Dhendup also received a cheque of Nu 500,000 for his responsibility with the team.

The awards were based on the newly formulated Sports Excellence Awards (SEA), approved by government and BOC to reward medalists and record breakers, in the Olympics other international games and competitions. The SEA was introduced with the confidence that it would inspire and motivate the youth to excel in sports at the international levels.

About 18 countries with some 400 officials and athletes across Asia took part in the weeklong championship. Meanwhile, Bhutan will host the 50th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship in Thimphu from August 30 to September 5 next year. The Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports’ Secretary General, Datuk Paul Chua officially announced it at the concluding day of the 49th Asian Bodybuilding Championship.

At least 40 Asian countries are expected to participate in the championship.

Younten Tshedup