Shillong, Nov 9: Meghalaya bodybuilder Bransley D. Nongkynrih has won a gold medal in the ‘Classic Physique A’ category at the NPC Worldwide Kazakhstan Pro Qualifier 2026, held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on November 7.
The international victory marks another significant achievement for Nongkynrih, who continued his impressive run following his success at the Sheru Classic NPC Regional North India Championship in Chandigarh on October 11. At the championship, he secured the overall titles in both Classic Physique and Bodybuilding.
However, despite his category victory, Nongkynrih could not secure the coveted Classic Physique Division Pro Card at the qualifier.
Reflecting on the outcome, he acknowledged that he had fought hard for the professional qualification but accepted that the opportunity had not come his way this time. Congratulating the competitor who secured the Pro Card, he said the winner had deserved the distinction with an outstanding physique and overall presentation.
“Seeing the Card so close to me has jolted my hunger and drive for it even more. It is only a matter of time now,” Nongkynrih said in a post on social media following the competition.
The NPC Worldwide Pro Qualifier provides amateur bodybuilders an opportunity to compete for an IFBB Professional League Pro Card, which opens the pathway to professional bodybuilding competitions, including the prestigious Mr. Olympia.
Following his victory, Nongkynrih expressed gratitude to Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, his local MLA, Paiem Ainam Syiem, his father Khrawbok Nongum, members of Iron House Gym and his private sponsors for their financial assistance, encouragement and support in making his participation in the international competition possible.
He acknowledged that the achievement would not have been possible without the collective support of those who stood behind him throughout his journey.
While the Pro Card remains an ambition for another day, his gold medal in Kazakhstan adds to his recent successes and marks another encouraging achievement for bodybuilding in Meghalaya.
