In the quiet valleys of Pema Gatshel, two young boys are proving that strength is not measured by physical ability alone but by courage, perseverance, and spirit. Twelve-year-old Jamyang Dhendup and thirteen-year-old Tashi Rigden Dorji are breaking barriers in Taekwondo, showing that inclusion and determination can reshape the meaning of sport.
At Gonpasingma Lower Secondary School, Jamyang, a class six student, recently took to the floor during a district-level Taekwondo competition. His confident demonstration of basic steps and forms captured the audience’s attention, not just for his skill but for his spirit. Despite living with a disability, Jamyang’s enthusiasm for the martial art radiates with every move.
“I love the energy in the arena — the cheers, the sounds of victory and defeat,” he said. “Taekwondo keeps me active and focused, both physically and mentally.” Having started his training only this year, Jamyang already speaks of the sport as a source of confidence and discipline — traits that extend well beyond the mat.
He is joined in this journey by Tashi Rigden Dorji, a class seven student at Yoechen Central School. Tashi lost an arm in an accident, but that hasn’t stopped him from pursuing his passion for Taekwondo. Inspired by his friends and the encouragement of his master, Tashi found both belonging and purpose through the sport.
“When I first joined, I wasn’t sure if I could do Taekwondo,” he recalled. “But my friends encouraged me, and my master told me that I might even be able to participate in the Paralympics one day. That motivated me to train harder.”
Today, Tashi continues to practice regularly, often sparring and training with his peers. “I usually train with my friends for about 10 to 20 minutes, even if time is short,” he said with a smile. “I’m happy because I’ve made so many new friends through this sport.”
Both boys are the first students with disabilities in Pema Gatshel to formally learn Taekwondo. Their determination has already made a lasting impression — not only inspiring their classmates but also reinforcing the idea that inclusivity in sports begins with opportunity.
Their journey is a quiet but powerful reminder: a place on the mat can become a platform for empowerment. And for Jamyang and Tashi, every kick and every bow symbolizes more than a routine — it is a step toward breaking barriers, one move at a time.
