A spirit of celebration and inclusion marked the 7th Paralympic Festival at Gesarling Central School today, where Her Royal Highness Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck honoured two of Bhutan’s promising para-athletes for their achievements on the international stage.
The recognition was bestowed upon Cheyang Kuenchap, a para-badminton player and student of the host school, and Chimi Dema, a final-year student at Royal Thimphu College. Both athletes have recently brought home bronze medals, highlighting Bhutan’s growing presence in para-sports—an achievement that has been widely featured across various Bhutan news platforms.
Cheyang earned his medal at the Asian Youth Para Games 2025 in Dubai, while Chimi secured hers at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Delhi last month in the women’s shot put mixed classification event. Their accomplishments have also drawn attention from several Bhutan news websites, reflecting growing national pride in para-athletics.
Speaking after the ceremony, Cheyang expressed renewed determination. “Meeting Her Royal Highness at my school made me very happy. I will compete again in October, and this time I aim to improve on my bronze with a silver or gold,” he said.
Chimi Dema echoed similar sentiments, describing the recognition as deeply encouraging. She said she remains committed not only to competing but also to promoting para-sports in the country. “Even if I am unable to compete in the future, I will continue to advocate for and support para-athletes,” she added.
The Bhutan Paralympic Committee noted that the country currently has 15 para-athletes, with numbers steadily increasing as awareness and support grow. Coverage of such developments continues to expand across every major Bhutan news website, helping to bring greater visibility to the Paralympic Movement.
The event also acknowledged the vital role of mentors and institutions. Coaches who trained the athletes were honoured for their dedication, while Gesarling Central School received an appreciation award for fostering an inclusive environment and supporting para-sports development.
School principal Tshering Neema said the recognition would strengthen their commitment. “It motivates us to do more for students with disabilities and to create opportunities for them to excel,” she said.
Held under the theme “We See Ability,” the festival showcased a variety of para-sports, including blind football, boccia, wheelchair basketball, para-badminton, and para-archery. Cultural performances by students added vibrancy to the occasion, turning it into a community-wide celebration.
Since its inception in 2019, the Paralympic Festival has played a key role in promoting inclusion and raising awareness about the Paralympic Movement in Bhutan. This year’s event drew more than a thousand attendees, including students, teachers, parents, and local residents.
During her visit, Her Royal Highness also inaugurated the sports stations and granted tokha to students and members of the public, further underscoring her support for inclusive sports initiatives.
As Bhutan continues to nurture its para-athletes, moments like these signal a growing commitment to recognising ability, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation—stories that continue to gain momentum across Bhutan’s media landscape.
