Gangtok: Gangtok is abuzz with anticipation as the Sikkim State Body Building Association (SSBBA) unveils plans for an unprecedented 24th Mr. Sikkim & 7th Open Men’s & Women’s Physique Championship 2025.
Slated for August 23 at the Manan Kendra, this year’s edition promises to be a spectacular affair, coinciding with SSBBA’s Silver Jubilee and the momentous 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood. Officials at a recent press conference highlighted the colossal scale of the upcoming event, emphasising its significance beyond a mere fitness competition.
Laxmi Maya Gurung, the SSBBA Treasurer, dropped a bombshell with the announcement of a record-smashing prize pool, estimated to be between ₹20-25 lakhs. Aspiring champions will vie for a bounty that includes coveted Royal Enfield bikes for the Mr. Sikkim Bodybuilding Champion and the Men’s Physique Champion, while the Women’s Physique Champion will ride away with a brand new scooty and a gleaming gold chain. Generous cash prizes are also earmarked for the top five finalists across all categories. Further exciting prizes await participants in categories like Denim Jeans and Sports Model, with more details to be revealed closer to the event date.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, SSBBA officials stressed that the championship serves a far greater purpose, positioning it as a pivotal social movement. In alignment with the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s vision for a ‘Nasha Mukt Sikkim’ (Drug-Free Sikkim), the association is leveraging the event to champion fitness and a drug-free lifestyle. As part of this noble initiative, SSBBA has forged partnerships with three rehabilitation centres across Sikkim, even establishing a dedicated gym to facilitate recovery. Representatives underscored how bodybuilding offers a potent avenue for rehabilitation and reintegration, using fitness as a powerful tool to steer youth away from substance abuse. Equipment has already been provided to these centres, marking a tangible step in this direction.
In a bid to expand its reach and inspire a wider audience, SSBBA is also on the cusp of launching its official website and social media platforms. This digital outreach aims to foster greater public engagement and attract participation from beyond the borders of Sikkim. The association eloquently summarised its philosophy, stating, “Bodybuilding is about more than muscles. It’s about discipline, self-worth, and transformation. Through this championship, we hope to inspire dreams and help fulfill them — one rep at a time.”
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