Bhutan will be competing at the ninth Asian Winter Games which will take place from 7th to 14th February in Harbin, China. This will be the first time the country is taking part in the competition. Bhutan will be represented by Chencho Dorji in the slalom discipline of Alpine skiing. More than 1,300 athletes from 34 countries are expected to take part in the Asian Winter Games.
The slalom discipline is a sport which involves skiing between poles or gates. The athletes navigate through closely spaced gates on a mountain course and are marked on their time and certain other criteria.
It demands agility, precision, and quick reflexes.
Chencho Dorji who resides in France says he has been training hard to get ready for the competition.
“About my preparation for the Winter Asian Games, I am training every day, I am doing slalom, and I am also training in fitness gym every day. So, I feel ready for that and I will do my best.”
Chencho says his journey into competitive skiing began during his studies in mountain sports at Lyon University, where he initially trained to become a ski instructor.
The 26-year-old shared that representing Bhutan is both an honour and a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
“I feel very proud to represent Bhutan for this Asian game and I really want to do my best for this game and this makes me so happy. I want to show to everybody that nothing is impossible. So, I trust in my dream and I do my best to do it.”
As Chencho steps onto the international stage, he carries the hopes of the nation, making history for Bhutan in winter sports.
A total of 64 events will be held across six sports, including biathlon, curling, ice hockey, skating, skiing, and ski climbing.
Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
