Phuntsho Dema’s remarkable journey from her childhood runs in rural Mongar to winning gold at the Universal Yoga Sports Federation World Cup 2025 epitomizes the growth of yoga in Bhutan and her creation of GaZum FITNESS. At the age of 27, Phuntsho, who once ran an hour daily to school, has become a beacon for fitness and wellness in her community. Her early passion for running evolved despite limited exposure to sports, eventually leading her to become a Zumba instructor when she noticed the lack of interest in yoga.
In June 2023, she launched GaZum FITNESS, mixing the concepts of yoga and Zumba, intending to create a simple yet encouraging community of fitness enthusiasts, termed ‘GaZum Champions’. However, her journey took a painful turn when she suffered a grade-3 meniscus tear, forcing her to step away from her studio and undergo three months of rest. The emotional toll of watching her community thrive without her weighed heavy, yet she recognized the opportunity for recovery during this hiatus.
Phuntsho joined a job in the Maldives, viewing it as a chance not just for work, but for personal reset. While her time there was demanding, filled with leading activities and guiding sessions for resort guests, it became a period of growth. When she received news about the World Cup, she booked her flight to India but found herself struggling physically after months of teaching only beginner sessions and lacking proper training guidance.
Yet, inspired by His Majesty’s speech and the mantra of determination, she persevered, practiced diligently, and ultimately triumphed on December 27, 2025, by winning gold for Bhutan at the World Cup. This achievement not only validated her dedication and struggles but also propelled her forward to pursue further training in yoga and meditation, contributing to broader wellness initiatives in Bhutan.
Phuntsho envisions cultivating a deeper engagement with yoga in her homeland, motivated by a desire to inspire others to realize their potential through practice, emphasizing that the transformative “GaZum smile” now radiates on the global stage.