Sikkim bodybuilders bag 4 medals at zonal tourney

GANGTOK, 27 Dec: The team of six bodybuilders from Sikkim who participated in the Eastern India Body Building Championship (EIBBC)-2012 held at Bagnan, Howrah in West Bengal on 23 and 24 December has done the state proud by bringing back a haul of four medals from the prestigious tourney.
The Sikkim contingent comprised of the present Mr. Sikkim, Arun Gurung (60 kgs) who won silver in his weight category at the EIBBC, four-time Mr. Sikkim, Suresh Chettri (65kgs) won bronze, former two-time Mr. Sikkim, Pema D Bhutia (80 kgs) brought back home another bronze and Norbu Tshering Bhutia (70 kgs) won silver.
The other two members, Sonam Dadul Bhutia (80 kgs) and Subash Thapa (70 kgs) however went into the final rounds but failed to impress the judges. The winners were awarded medals, certificates and cash prizes.
It may be informed that this was for the first time that Sikkim State Body Building Association (SSBBA) had sent this many body-builders who are considered the cream of body building in Sikkim since the contingent also has the present Mr. Sikkim along with two others who have won the prestigious title in previous years.
The competition is considered one of the biggest bodybuilding platforms in the region and brings a good opportunity for the boys from Sikkim who have proved themselves and in the process have got noticed for the Mr. India title scheduled for later next year.
The EIBBC with its venue at Bagnan Boys High School was organized by Bagnan Baghanjatin Bayamagar, approved by the Howrah district physical culture and fitness association recognized by Eastern India Body Building & Fitness Association (EIBBFA) under the auspices of West Bengal State Body Building Association (WBSSBA) affiliated to the Indian Body Building and Fitness Federation (IBBFF).
It may be informed that the six bodybuilders were shortlisted from 30 competitors from 18 bodybuilding and fitness gyms from all over the state. The trials were held on 03 December that was judged by SSBBA general secretary, Anil Raj Rai and other senior members from the association.
The six-member contingent that represented the state at the EIBBC will now have another six bodybuilders who will be screened at a trial that will be held at Central Body Building & Fitness Gym at Development Area today. Tomorrow the 12-member Sikkim contingent will leave for Darjeeling where they will participate at the 3rd Mr. Himalaya Body Building Competition slated for 28 December.
The state contingent will be led by team manager, IB Gurung who is also the state chief coach, joint secretary of SSBBA and national judge for the Indian Body Building Association (IBBF).
“We have done well at the zonal level and with confidence at its highest amongst the participants, we expect to see more medals from this event as well. I am confident that our team will flex it out at the Gorkha Rangamancha and make Sikkim proud once again,” stated IB Gurung.