Bengaluru: Mangpi Haokip, who was recently crowned Mr. East India 2026 Bodybuilding Champion, will represent the Kuki community at the prestigious SAAYI CLASSIC – South India’s Bodybuilding Expo, one of the biggest bodybuilding and fitness expos in the southern region. The announcement has brought cheer among fitness enthusiasts and members of the Kuki community in Bengaluru, as Haokip prepares to take the stage against some of the top bodybuilders from across South India after his title-winning performance at the East India level.
According to details shared by the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Bangalore, Haokip will be competing in Category 4 – Senior Bodybuilding, which is regarded as the premier and most competitive division of the championship. The event is scheduled for Thursday, August 21, 2026, starting at 12:00 noon at Thirumalashettyhalli Cross, Channasandra Road, Whitefield, Bengaluru. The venue is expected to witness a large turnout of athletes, coaches, fitness industry professionals and supporters.
The SAAYI Classic is one of the largest bodybuilding expos in South India, bringing together professional athletes, amateur bodybuilders, fitness trainers and enthusiasts from Karnataka and other southern states. The expo includes competitive categories across different age and weight divisions, along with fitness exhibitions and industry interactions. The Senior Bodybuilding category, in which Haokip is competing, is considered the most competitive segment of the championship, featuring athletes with prior state and zonal level experience.
Haokip clinched the Mr. East India 2026 title earlier this year after competing against a strong lineup of participants from the eastern region. His win earned him recognition in the wider bodybuilding circuit for his conditioning, muscular symmetry and stage discipline. With the SAAYI Classic, he will now compete against leading bodybuilders from South India, marking his first major appearance in the southern region after the East India victory.
The development has generated enthusiasm among the Kuki community in Bengaluru. KSO Bangalore, in its official communication, said Haokip’s achievement and his selection for a platform like SAAYI Classic is a matter of pride for the Kuki community and reflects the growing presence of youth from the community in professional sports.
KSO Bangalore has appealed to all members of the Kuki community residing in Bengaluru to attend the event and extend support to the athlete. The organisation stated that community presence at the venue would serve as a major encouragement for Haokip as he competes on a prestigious stage outside his home region. The organisation has also conveyed its best wishes to Haokip for the competition and expressed confidence that he will put up a strong performance, while requesting attendees to reach the venue before the scheduled start time of 12 noon on August 21 to ensure full support during his category.
