Bhutan is hosting its first international badminton tournament in Thimphu, starting today. The weeklong tournament, the Badminton Asia South Asia Regional Junior Championship 2025, kicked off this morning with over 60 players from Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka competing in both team and individual events.
Representing Bhutan, 28 players are competing across three categories: under-23, under-17, and under-15.
Players shared their confidence and high hopes of winning medals for the nation.
“We, Team Bhutan, are well-prepared. I hope and pray we can bring home many more medals for our country. My goal is to win a gold medal,” said Jetsen Sonam Chodrak, U-17 Badminton Player, Bhutan.
“I have participated in three international tournaments and realised that we Bhutanese often lack confidence. I take this as a lesson, and my goal in this tournament is to win medals for the country,” said Phuntsho Dema, Player, U-23 Badminton Player, Bhutan.
“We have players with experience from previous international matches, so I am confident they will perform well and deliver good results,” said Sherub Gyeltshen, Coach, Bhutan Badminton Federation.
Meanwhile, players from Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka have also expressed their readiness and are determined to win more medals.
“We trained a lot to come here and win the tournament. Right now, we are aiming for the team events, and from the 19th, we will aim for the individuals,” said Ammarah Ishtiaq, Badminton Player, Pakistan.
“Our Team Nepal has been practising well, and we will try our best to get as many medals as possible. We hope to participate and play more international matches like this,” said Ditasha Rana, Badminton Player, Nepal.
“We are as determined as ever from the last few years that we have participated, as we have been able to clinch the championship in the previous years. So, this year as well, we are determined to do our very best in this tournament,” said Rashimi Madalige, Badminton Player, Sri Lanka.
According to the organisers, the championship will foster regional sportsmanship and provide young athletes with international exposure. It is also expected to strengthen ties between South Asian nations and promote the growth of the sport in the region.
Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Kipchu
