Chencho Dorji’s Bold Leap into the Asian Winter Games

In a historic first, Bhutan is set to make its debut at the Asian Winter Games, with 26-year-old alpine skier Chencho Dorji carrying the nation’s hopes on the icy slopes of Harbin, China. The competition, themed “Dream of Winter, Love Among Asia,” will take place from February 7 to 14 and will feature over 1,270 athletes from 34 countries across the continent.

Born in Thimphu and now based in Chamonix, France, Dorji has spent several months in rigorous training to prepare for the slalom event, scheduled for February 9. “My target is to finish the race having given the best of myself, to continue to learn and progress, and to live this experience to the full,” he stated confidently. His determination to represent Bhutan on this grand stage is matched only by the recognition of the hard work he has put into his skiing career.

Dorji’s journey is as inspiring as it is unique. Spending his childhood in France, he was first introduced to the sport by his father, a first-aider with a passion for skiing. “What inspired me was the Olympic dream of representing Bhutan,” he recalled, reflecting on the moment he decided at age 18 to take his skiing seriously. That decision led him to enroll in the National Ski Diploma program and to complete an alpine ski racing test in slalom, cementing his commitment to both the sport and his country.

Over the past two years, Dorji has competed in 10 international competitions, accumulating 280 International Ski Federation (FIS) points. Alongside his athletic pursuits, he works as a ski instructor and lifeguard, balancing his passion for winter sports with a professional career. “Every sport teaches me about discipline, focus, and perseverance, which augments my career in skiing,” he said, highlighting the lessons he has learned through tennis, football, and bodybuilding.

Despite his impressive achievements, Dorji acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. He faces hurdles such as securing financing for training and competitions, accessing quality equipment, and the lack of winter sports infrastructure in Bhutan. The country’s high-altitude, snow-covered regions remain largely untapped for activities like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. To foster the growth of winter sports in Bhutan, Dorji advocates for building modern facilities, training local coaches, raising awareness among the youth, and forming partnerships with international federations to secure essential resources.

At the Asian Winter Games, Dorji will join roughly 40 skiers competing in various disciplines against some of Asia’s winter sports powerhouses including China, Japan, and South Korea. His participation not only marks a significant personal milestone but also represents a bold step forward for Bhutan on the international sports stage.

As Bhutan’s lone representative at the Games, Chencho Dorji carries more than just his ski equipment; he carries the hopes of a nation eager to see its young athletes shine. His journey underscores the spirit of perseverance and passion that continues to inspire both his compatriots and aspiring winter sports enthusiasts across Asia.

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