Bhutan’s emerging para-sport talent stepped confidently onto the international stage this week, as two 14-year-old athletes delivered encouraging performances at the Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai.
Leading the spotlight was Cheyang Kuenchap, a wheelchair badminton player who returned home with a bronze medal—Bhutan’s standout result at the Games. Competing against seasoned opponents from across the continent, Kuenchap demonstrated poise and resilience beyond his years, securing his first-ever international medal.
Kuenchap advanced through the early rounds with impressive victories over players from Thailand and Hong Kong. His run came to an end in the semi-finals, where he was narrowly beaten by a strong contender from South Korea. Despite the loss, the bronze medal marked a significant milestone in his young sporting career.
The Dubai Games brought together more than 1,500 para-athletes from over 45 countries, offering young competitors exposure to elite-level competition and a rare opportunity to measure themselves against Asia’s best.
Bhutan was also represented in athletics by Ugyen Sonam Choden, another 14-year-old making her international debut. Competing in the shot put, Choden finished sixth—a commendable result in her first appearance at a major international event.
Both athletes expressed appreciation for the support they received and described the Games as a valuable learning experience. They emphasized their determination to train harder and improve, viewing their performances not as an endpoint but as the beginning of longer sporting journeys.
For Bhutan, the results in Dubai signal growing promise in youth para-sports, highlighting how dedication and opportunity can help young athletes compete with confidence on the continental stage.
