Bodybuilding at the Master Games
The 6th Thailand Open Master Games, an international senior sports festival hosted by Bangkok, has now entered its final phase.
Credit goes to the Thai Senior Sports Association, led by "Big Toon" Natthawut Ruangwes as president.
Alongside Secretary-General Wiwat Wikrantanoros, an experienced organizer driving the tournament's effective progress.
Although they have never received any funding from the Sports Authority of Thailand.
They remain committed to organizing sports competitions for senior citizens, both Thai and international, encouraging continuous healthful exercise every year.
Thanks are due to supporters like the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and PTT Public Company Limited, providing senior athletes with a competition platform meeting international standards.
This year, 38 countries participate, including Thailand, India, Indonesia, Iran, Singapore, the United States, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, and Nepal.
Also the Netherlands, Brunei, the Philippines, Canada, Switzerland, France, China, Vietnam, Australia, Taiwan, and Finland.
Plus Hong Kong, Ghana, Guinea, South Korea, Uganda, England, Cameroon, Macau, Myanmar, Belgium, Russia, Laos, Turkey, Maldives, Germany, and Slovakia.
The total number of athletes is 3,933, with 883 international athletes and 3,050 Thai participants.
Fifteen sports are contested: archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, bodybuilding, bridge, dance sport, football, gateball, golf, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and rowing.
The event mascot is “Nong Tukka,” a cute and stylish tuk-tuk, symbolizing Bangkok, which I greatly admire.
It represents the fun, excitement, vibrancy, and friendship that senior athletes gather to enjoy for better health and excellent camaraderie.
Recently, I came across Danish research listing seven sports that most increase human lifespan, ranked as follows.
Rank 1: Tennis (increases lifespan by 9.7 years).
Rank 2: Badminton (increases lifespan by 6.2 years).
Rank 3: Football (increases lifespan by 4.7 years).
Rank 4: Cycling (increases lifespan by 3.7 years).
Rank 5: Swimming (increases lifespan by 3.4 years).
Rank 6: Jogging (increases lifespan by 3.2 years).
Rank 7: Bodyweight training (increases lifespan by 3.1 years).
Bodyweight training, or calisthenics, is especially interesting—it uses one's own body weight, like push-ups and pull-ups.
It effectively builds muscle and strengthens bones for people of all genders and ages.
Therefore, bodybuilding is traditionally held on the final two days of every Thailand Open Master Games.
This year, Big Sukree Supawareekul, president of the Thai Bodybuilding and Fitness Association and vice president of the Thai Senior Sports Association,
is organizing the international senior bodybuilding competition on Saturday and Sunday, 24–25 January 2026, at Paradise Park Srinakarin, Bangkok.
This competition is crucial as it offers the last chance to qualify for the Mr. Thailand 2026 contest, divided into categories.
Athletic Physique Men under 35 years, height up to 170 cm.
Athletic Physique Men under 35 years, height over 170 cm.
Athletic Physique Men aged 36–49, general category.
Athletic Physique Men aged 50 and above, general category.
Sport Physique Men under 30 years, general category.
Sport Physique Men under 35 years, height up to 170 cm.
Sport Physique Men under 35 years, height over 170 cm.
Sport Physique Men aged 36–45, general category.
Sport Physique Men aged 46 and above, general category.
Bodybuilding Men under 30 years, weight up to 70 kilograms.
Bodybuilding Men under 30 years, weight over 70 kilograms.
Bodybuilding Men aged 31–49, weight up to 70 kilograms.
Bodybuilding Men aged 31–49, weight over 70 kilograms.
Bodybuilding Men aged 50 and above, general category.
Model Physique Women under 40 years, height up to 160 cm.
Model Physique Women under 40 years, height over 160 cm.
Model Physique Women aged 41 and above, general category.
And Bodybuilding Women, general category.
The oldest male bodybuilder competing is Mr. Kancha Arisinpitak, age 72, in the Athletic Physique Men 50+ category.
The senior female bodybuilder is Mrs. Yaowalak Petchrat, age 69, competing in the general women's bodybuilding category.
This Saturday and Sunday, anyone free is welcome to watch and cheer for the senior bodybuilders at Paradise Park Srinakarin.
You will then understand why bodyweight training and bodybuilding are among the quality sports that effectively extend human lifespan.
They are excellent for helping people live longer, healthier lives!
- Bee Bangpakong -