Bhutan has made a striking international debut at the 2nd Petanque Transplant Asian Open Championships 2026 in Bangkok, where a kidney transplant recipient won one gold and two bronze medals. The achievement turned Bhutan’s first participation in the event into a moment of national pride. Pétanque, a precision sport in which players aim to throw metal balls closest to a small target, has become a popular event in transplant competitions.
38-year-old Rinchen Bida, a kidney transplant recipient, won gold in pétanque, nine years after undergoing a life-saving transplant.
Today, her victory is being celebrated not just as a sporting achievement but as a powerful story of resilience and recovery.
She said, “I underwent a transplant in 2017. It’s been nine years. My mother donated her kidney to me. And today, thanks to her, with her kidney, I can compete in this game.”
Two other Bhutanese participants, Jigme and Sashita Pradhan, also secured bronze medals.
The six-member team, comprising three men and three women, competed alongside transplant recipients from across Asia in an event promoting active and healthy living after organ transplantation.
For athletes, the game represents more than competition; it reflects a renewed chance at life.
Rinchen Bida said, “Until now, I had never taken part in sports after my transplant because I feared damaging my kidney. But that is not the case. Some participants here underwent transplants 38 years ago, while others had theirs just a few years ago, and they are still active and doing well.”
The Bhutan Kidney Foundation says the experience will serve as a stepping stone to promote sports and active lifestyles among transplant recipients back home, while also raising awareness about organ donation.
The foundation says that even after a transplant, people can still go on to lead a completely normal and active life.
Samten Dolkar
