Bhutan’s Rising Stars Ready to Shine at Asian Games
As the much-anticipated Asian Games (AG) draws near in China, the Bhutan Amateur Athletic Federation (BAAF) is gearing up to unveil its extraordinary talents on the global platform.
Two promising athletes, 24-year-old Tshering Penjor from Paro and 26-year-old Goma Pradhan from Dagana, are set to make their mark in their AG debut, having relentlessly honed their skills in preparation for this momentous event.
Tshering Penjor is no stranger to the athletic world, boasting a decade of experience under his belt. Since 2018, he has undergone intensive training and study in Japan, participating in numerous competitions to further enhance his abilities. His journey with BAAF began back in 2014, and now, with the AG on the horizon, he is poised to compete in both the 200 metres (m) and 400m races.
Having already made appearances in two major international competitions, Tshering Penjor recently impressed the audience at the Asian Athletics Championship 2023 in Thailand, finishing the men’s 200m event with an impressive time of 22.83 seconds (secs).
Setting his sights on reaching the semifinals in the 200m race, Tshering Penjor is determined to surpass his own 400m record, currently standing at an impressive 50.04 secs. With a personal best of 22.51 secs in the 200m, he aims to establish a new benchmark, using it as a foundation for continuous improvement.
Confident in his abilities, Tshering Penjor expressed, “I will be facing the same pool of athletes from the Asian Athletics Championship 2023 in the 200m. I am certain I can narrow the gap and compete at my best.”
Behind Tshering Penjor’s rigorous training stands the watchful eye of Coach Akizawa Kazuki in Japan, whose guidance has been instrumental in fine-tuning his athletic prowess.
In parallel, Goma Pradhan, a celebrated national female runner, is leaving no stone unturned in her preparations for the 5,000m race at the AG. Having clinched around 50 medals at the national level since 2013, Goma trains diligently at BAAF’s ground in Thimphu, under the expert guidance of Coach Kinzang Dorji.
While her athletic journey began five years ago, it was only last month that Goma intensified her practice, gearing up for the crucial time trial set by the Bhutan Olympic Committee at the end of this month.
Goma Pradhan has set an impressive benchmark of 17 minutes and 24 secs for the 5,000m race, a record she established during the 2019 South Asian Games in Nepal. To secure her spot in the AG, she must match or surpass this timing during the upcoming time trial.
However, despite the challenge ahead, Goma Pradhan remains optimistic and unwavering in her commitment to giving her best. “Training is tough, but I have been giving my all and maintaining a positive and hopeful outlook,” shared the determined athlete.
For Goma Pradhan, the Asian Games represent a proud moment to represent her country on the international stage, and she is determined to make Bhutan shine with her remarkable talents.
As the AG approaches, all eyes are on these two exceptional athletes, hoping they will pave the way for Bhutan’s athletic future and leave an indelible mark on this prestigious event. With their unwavering dedication and boundless talent, Tshering Penjor and Goma Pradhan are ready to shine and make their nation proud.
