Sikkim man goes strength to strength in drawing hill youths to fit India club

Pema is one man engaged in translating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan of a Fit India into a reality as he devotes his life to encouraging fitness among the rural youths of Sikkim- often caught in the vortex of drug abuse- as he introduces them to Strength Lifting and Incline Bench Press exercises.

Speaking to UNI, Pema reveals his story of leaping from a passionate strength lifter to an instructor for Sikkim Armed Police, and finally his engagement with the rural youth.

While working with Sikkim Armed Police at Pangthang on North Sikkim Highway, he started training young Sikkim Armed Police personnel in Strength Lifting.

Gangtokians first heard of Pema Bhutia when he won a medal in a national level tournament way back in 2013.

Arjuna Awardee boxer Jas Lal Pradhan had encouraged him to participate in the national competition.

“It was a pleasant event and encouraging as I won the Masters medal in my first ever national level competition," says Pema.

With this success, came many more achievements.

The competition from 21st to 24th August 2014, culminated with Pema Dorjee Bhutia, SAP, creating a record of lifting 120 kg, (45 Mens’ category) breaking his last record of 115 kgs and winning Gold medal.

He was also declared the Champion of Champions at the competition held at Vidya Sagar Memorial Hall, Midnapur, West Bengal.

Bhakta Bahadur Chettri of Sikkim Armed Police also won a Gold medal in the master category above 45. This was his first time Chetri was competing outside the state. It was a moment of pride for Pema to see those treading on his footsteps doing well!

He still cherishes the pleasant memory of competition in Haryana and winning the medal in Masters +40 category.

His passion drove him to voluntary retirement. In 2016 he decided to devote full time to the sport and started his own Gym- Martam Health Club.

Pema was selected as an official of the Indian Strength Lifting Federation for the 1st Senior Master Men & Women Western Strength Lifting & Incline Bench Press Championship 2019 held in the first week of August in Balod, Chhattisgarh.

He also served as an International Referee on selection by Indian Strength Lifting Federation.

Pema’s career with Sikkim Armed Police and urban lifestyle came handy when he decided to inspire the rural youth.

"Parents of student Strength Lifters thank me for introducing them to some healthy sport. Unless they are engaged meaningfully, these youngsters would simply kill time on mobile phone," he says.

The benefits of weight reducing exercise attracted many health conscious people.

"Strength Lifting is not just a sport. It is good for healthy and long life," says son of late Karzang Bhutia of Lingdong.

Pema says he has been fortunate to have the maximum cooperation of his family all through.

His wife Denka sits through his Strength Lifting sessions, with students at the gym.

"I will see that Sikkim produces more National and International Referees in future," says Pema Dorjee, the only one master of Art of Strength Lifting & Incline Bench Press in Sikkim ready to impart the skill to rural youth.

The youngsters and even middle-aged people come to his gym in Martam, on the hill opposite Gangtok, at least 2 hours' journey across the famous Rumtek monastery hills. The facility comprises a hall and on outer shade laced with necessary equipment for Strength Lifting and Incline Bench Press.

"Speaking broadly, strength training burns fat and generates lean muscle mass, which in turn increases resting metabolic rate. Strength training increases bone density, reducing risk of broken bones and chronic conditions such as Osteoporosis. It leads to increased well-being in general," he informs.

“There are many members here in above fifty age group…let the youth be inspired by them in the same direction and get more disciplined. This should serve as one of the alternatives to wean the alcoholics from the evils of drinking and to keep others away from such traps.

"My experience says Strength Lifting increases the confidence level," says Pema.

He has been successful in getting an alcoholic rid his drinking habit by drawing him to Incline bench press.

Pema says training in Incline Bench Press can improve the condition of physical challenged individuals.

“Recently, I was told of a young boy with weak grip. I took him to White Hall Gym.

“He learnt Incline Bench Press which improved his grip. Subsequently, he won Gold in his category. Now that he has passed class 12, he feels he can do much more with his life,” he says.

With Senior National Gold medal in his kitty and after being declared the Best Coach, Pema Dorjee decided to commit himself fully to the society.

The founder of First Strength Lifting & Incline Bench Press Gym, has been an inspiration for eight more gyms across Sikkim started by his students.

But why a Gym in a rural area? Pema reveals that even though his followers are from villages, the rural youth are not untouched by the influence of urban fitness freaks as much as they are drawn to dressing up, socializing and dining and wining.

He decided to provide them a healthy opportunity.

Since Pema Dorjee is a recipient of a number of laurels in strength lifting, he was felicitated by Murshidabad Strength lifter’s Association in July 2018 for his outstanding performance and a medal winning streak for the country. Now he wants others to win.

He cherishes the memory of winning multiple awards, but says he is happier when his students get awards and recognition.

He hopes Strength Lifting becomes more popular in Sikkim as the youth of the state join the league of Fit India Movement.