Sports offer great opportunities for people with disabilities, but the Bhutan Paralympic Committee says that only a few para-athletes in Bhutan are stepping forward. The committee is working to change this by promoting inclusivity and expanding participation. However, challenges like social stigma, lack of facilities, and limited awareness of sports also hinder progress.
Bhutan has 21 sports federations and associations. However, there are only three para-athletes currently.
They are the Bhutan Archery Federation, Bhutan Amateur Athletics Federation, and Bhutan Shooting Federation with one para-athlete each.
Officials said this is due to a lack of facilities, social stigma, and limited media coverage and awareness of the sports.
“Currently, the karate association does not have any para-athletes, even though international tournaments include para-competitions. This is mainly due to the lack of a specialist coach and proper facilities. However, if athletes are interested in participating, we plan to provide opportunities for them in the future,” said Tshering Dorji, Programme Officer at the Bhutan Karate Association.
“The first challenge is that many athletes feel shy and hesitant to participate in public gatherings due to their physical challenges. Secondly, they do not receive any income, and we are unable to provide them with monthly salaries, which affects their motivation to pursue sports. Lastly, as the Bhutan Paralympic Committee is still new, it faces financial constraints due to limited funding,” said Karma Tshering, Coach of the Bhutan Archery Federation.
“Although international opportunities are available for us to participate in the Paralympics, the number of participants remains low. The main challenge is that many hesitate or feel too shy to step forward and take part in sports,” said Lhaba Tshering, Coach of the Bhutan Amateur Athletics Federation.
To address these challenges, the Bhutan Paralympic Committee is planning to build accessible sports facilities, launch grassroots programmes, and host a Paralympic festival.
“First, we plan to build accessible sports facilities across the country. Secondly, we will launch a grassroots programme to introduce sports to young people with disabilities. Lastly, we will soon conduct an advocacy and training programme by hosting a Paralympic festival,” said Dibesh Rai, Assistant Programme Officer at the Bhutan Paralympic Committee.
The three athletes currently with the Bhutan Paralympic Committee share the opportunities they have gained through the sports and encourage everyone with disabilities to get involved in athletics.
“As individuals with disabilities, if we stay home without work, our lives will remain the same. I urge everyone not to hold back out of fear or shyness. Instead, we should step forward and take up sports, as they offer opportunities to build an independent and fulfilling life. The beginning may be challenging, but once we get involved, new opportunities will come our way,” said Kinley Dem, Para Shooter, Bhutan Shooting Federation.
“After joining the Bhutan Paralympic Committee, I received many opportunities. I had the chance to compete in tournaments in different countries and meet people from around the world. Additionally, after completing class 12, I was unable to continue my studies in college, but I received a scholarship that allowed me to pursue higher education,” said Chimi Dema, Para Shot Put Athlete at Bhutan Amateur Athletics Federation.
“We have the opportunity to explore beyond our country, and winning medals in international competitions can open even greater opportunities. I was inspired to take up archery after watching the Paralympics on YouTube,” said Tikaram Ghalley, Para Archer at Bhutan Archery Federation.
Despite these challenges, the Bhutan Paralympic Committee is committed to empowering athletes with disabilities, ensuring they have the opportunity to represent Bhutan globally while inspiring others to take up sports.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Kipchu
