The Inspiring Story of Mahalal Rai
By Victor Gurung
Meeting Mahalal Rai this morning was truly a wonderful experience. His warmth, humility, and inspiring journey left a lasting impression that words can’t fully capture.
As he recounted his journey, it became clear that his story was not just about bodybuilding but about a profound transformation—one that turned a struggling young man into a beacon of inspiration.
In 2016, Mahalal’s life was far from where it is today. “I was lost,” he says candidly. Struggling with alcohol dependency and a string of health issues, Mahalal found himself in a cycle that left him drained, both physically and emotionally. One day, looking at the toll it was taking on his life, he decided something had to change.
The following year, he walked into a gym for the first time. “I had no idea what I was doing back then,” he laughs, “but I knew I had to start somewhere.” What began as an attempt to get healthy gradually became a passion. The weights, the discipline, and the incremental progress gave him something he hadn’t felt in years—control over his life.
By 2023, Mahalal had become a household name in Bhutan’s fitness community. That year, he won 1st place in Men’s Physique at the National Championships and placed runner-up in Open Bodybuilding. “Winning felt surreal,” he admits, “but it wasn’t just about the titles. It was about proving to myself that I could overcome the person I used to be.”
This year, Mahalal took his journey to an international level, representing Bhutan at the 5th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships in the Maldives. Competing against some of the best athletes in the world was no small feat. “It was humbling,” he tells me. “I learned so much and realized how much more there is to improve. I’ll keep working for the next competition.”
When he’s not training, Mahalal works in the Finance Department at Zhiwa Ling Heritage, a role he takes great pride in. Balancing his career with a demanding fitness regimen isn’t easy, but Mahalal says that discipline is the key. “If you can make time for what matters, it all falls into place,” he says.
Mahalal speaks passionately about the impact of fitness on his life. “Exercise changed everything for me,” he says. “It helped me heal my body, clear my mind, and find focus.” Outside the gym, he stays active through running and long walks, which he finds therapeutic.
His journey isn’t just about personal growth; Mahalal sees it as a way to inspire others. He encourages people to take their health seriously. “You don’t have to aim for competitions,” he says. “Just start somewhere. A little progress every day makes a big difference.”
As we wrapped up our conversation, Mahalal reflected on his journey with a quiet sense of pride. “I’m not the same person I was in 2016,” he says. “Today, I feel confident, focused, and full of energy. And that’s all thanks to this path I chose.”
Mahalal Rai’s story reminds us that transformation is possible for anyone willing to put in the work. It’s not about perfection but about progress—one step, one lift, one decision at a time.
