The 18th Asian Games opened with a spectacular pyrotechnic show in the Indonesian capital Jakarta Saturday evening. 24 Bhutanese athletes are representing the country at the games.
The Asian Games is a continental multi-sport event held every four years. Athletes from 44 other countries are taking part in this year’s game.
Bhutan is competing in Archery, Boxing, Golf and Taekwondo.
Bhutan has participated in the Asian Games since 1980. However, it has not been able to win any medals so far. Hopes are high this time.
“We have a better team and if we can play like we did during the practice, we would be able to make it to the top 10,” Tashi Tshering, the Archery Coach, said.
“But of course, things are different during the real competition,” he added.
The Bhutanese athletes arrived in Jakarta on Thursday. Since then, they have been keeping themselves busy training.
Nim Dorji is the head of the Bhutanese team for the games this year. He says the athletes got enough time to train this time.
Bhutan kick-started its appearance at the event with taekwondo today.
