On Day 2 of the 19th Asian Games, all three Bhutanese athletes could not qualify for the next round of their events. They represented Bhutan in judo, boxing and taekwondo at the continental multi-sport event. 12,000 athletes from 45 nations are taking part in the Asian Games being played in Hangzhou, China.
In judo, Tandin Wangchuk lost his Round of 32 match against world number 145 Masayuki Terada from Thailand. Tandin was held down twice for Osaekomi, each time giving up a half point. If he won the match, he would then have the rare privilege of facing world number two Soichi Hashimoto of Japan in the very next match.
With this, all three judokas representing Bhutan have exited from the Asian Games.
“For two to three years, I have not participated in big tournaments like the Asian Games, so I was a little nervous but that is not an excuse for the loss. My left thigh was a little injured, so I could not give all that I have got. I could only give 10 out of 100 per cent. So I am disappointed about that,” said Tandin Tshering, Bhutanese Judoka.
Similarly, in taekwondo, Sagar Rai lost to Huang Yu Xiang from Chinese Taipei.
Later in the evening, Bhutanese boxer Tenzin Drugyel was beaten by Afghanistan’s Abdul Jabar Popalzal in what was a closely contested match.
With seven Bhutanese athletes already eliminated from the games, the hopes of Bhutan winning a medal now rests with the remaining 19 athletes. For tomorrow, in boxing, Tashi Yoezer will be facing Wasim Abusal from Palestine. And in Taekwondo, Dorji Khandu will be facing Ghali Zakariya Mohammad from Saudi Arabia. Likewise, Tshering Yangchen will take on Low Chai Ling from Chinese Taipei.
Kipchu, Hangzhou
