Her Royal Highness Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck honoured two para-athletes for their outstanding international achievements during the 7th Paralympic Festival, held today at Gesarling Central School. According to the Bhutan Paralympic Committee, the country currently has 15 para-athletes, and the number continues to grow.
Cheyang Kuenchap, a student of Gesarling Central School, was among the para-athletes recognised at the festival. The para-badminton player won a bronze medal at the Asian Youth Para Games 2025 held in Dubai last year.
Chimi Dema, a final-year student at Royal Thimphu College, also won a bronze medal at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix held in Delhi last month. She played in the women’s shot put mixed classification event.
Both athletes say the recognition has motivated them to work harder and bring greater pride to the country.
Cheyang Kuenchap said, “I was very happy to meet Her Royal Highness at my school. I will compete in the next para-sports event in October this year. I won bronze before, but now I will strive for silver or gold.”
“I am truly honoured by the kindness and compassion shown by Her Royal Highness Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck. I am currently a student and will continue to take part in para-sports. Even if I am unable to compete in the future, I will continue to advocate and promote para-sports,” added Chimi Dema.
Coaches who trained Cheyang and Chimi also received recognition for their dedication. The Bhutan Paralympic Committee presented an appreciation award to Gesarling Central School for supporting para-athletes and contributing to the growth of para-sports in the country.
“This recognition encourages us to do more. We will continue to support para-students and work harder to help persons with disabilities,” said Tshering Neema, the principal of Gesarling Central School, Dagana.
Held under the theme “We See Ability”, the festival featured several para-sports, including blind football, kids’ athletics, boccia, wheelchair basketball, para badminton, para shooting, and para-archery.
Students also performed cultural dances, adding to the festive atmosphere and bringing together the school and the wider community.
Bhutan has organised the Paralympic Festival since 2019. The event promotes inclusion and encourages persons with disabilities to take part in sports. It also raises awareness of the Paralympic Movement in the country.
During the festival, Her Royal Highness also opened the sports stations and granted tokha to students and the public.
More than a thousand people attended the event, including students and teachers of Gesarling Central School, parents, and community members.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
