Bhutan is set to make a proud appearance at the 5th Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai next month, with two youthful athletes carrying the nation’s hopes in shotput and para-badminton. Among them is 14-year-old Cheyang Kuenchap, whose inspiring journey from a vocational training centre to the international sporting arena reflects determination, resilience and the growing momentum of para-sports in the country.
Cheyang, a Class IV student originally from Trashigang, now studies at Gesarling Central School in Dagana, where he has been immersed in an intensive training routine ahead of the Games. Born with lower-limb impairments and using a wheelchair, he has committed himself to rigorous practice, spending close to four hours each morning and evening refining his skills, with only Sundays set aside for rest. His disciplined schedule has seen him complete nearly three weeks of continuous training in preparation for the regional event.
Despite his young age, Cheyang is no stranger to international competition. He has already represented Bhutan at the Japan Para Badminton International 2024 and the Thailand Para Badminton International 2025, experiences that have strengthened his confidence and sharpened his competitive edge. In Dubai, he will compete in the WH2 category, designated for wheelchair players with strong upper-body and trunk control, and will undergo formal reclassification during the Games.
His development has been guided by Coach Dorji, who first noticed Cheyang through a video on social media showing him dancing at the Draktsho Vocational Training Centre in Kanglung. Struck by his energy and potential, the coach approached the relevant sports bodies, leading to Cheyang’s transition into structured para-badminton training. With the support of his family, the school, and national sporting authorities, his journey into competitive sport began.
To balance education and athletic training, Cheyang was transferred to Gesarling Central School under an existing memorandum of understanding, allowing him to pursue both academic studies and professional coaching. In addition to on-court practice, his routine includes gym sessions twice a week focused on building strength in his arms, shoulders and core – key areas for success in wheelchair badminton.
Speaking ahead of the competition, Cheyang expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported him along the way, acknowledging his coaches, teachers, school leadership, and national sporting committees for believing in his potential and providing him with the opportunity to compete on an international platform.
The Asian Youth Para Games, scheduled from 7 to 14 December, will bring together more than 1,500 athletes aged between 14 and 20 from over 45 nations. Bhutan’s participation not only highlights its commitment to inclusivity in sports but also signals a promising future for young athletes with disabilities across the country.
As Cheyang and his coach prepare to depart for Dubai in the coming weeks, his story stands as a powerful reminder that talent, when nurtured with dedication and support, can transcend limitations and inspire a nation.
