Two junior Bhutanese tennis players gearing up for the 2025 pre-qualifying tournament for the Junior Davis Cup under-16 in Malaysia. With 27 countries set to compete, these players are undergoing intensive training at the Bhutan Tennis Federation’s court in Changlingmithang. The weeklong tournament will begin from the 8th of next month.
Khedrup Norbu Jurmi and Tshering Dorji, both 15, players are determined to compete against some of the best junior tennis players in the Asia-Oceania region.
Both players have earned their spot in the national team through consistent performances at various championships.
They will play in the boys’ singles and doubles categories.
Khedrup Norbu Jurmi from Bumthang began playing tennis at the age of six. He participated in the under-14 South Asian Games in 2023.
Khedrup, a Class 10 student of Ugyen Academy emerged as the champion of boys’ singles in the Under-16 Junior National Open Championship in Phuentshogling last month. He was also a winner of the Under-12 National Open Championship earlier in his career.
“I am truly grateful for this opportunity to compete internationally and represent my country. While we know there will be strong opponents, we are determined to give our absolute best and keep pushing forward until we succeed. Our coaches are working tirelessly with us, and we are training hard to make Bhutan proud.”
Similarly, Tshering Dorji, from Punakha, started playing tennis when he was ten years old. A Class 8 student at Phuentsholing Higher Secondary School, he was the runner-up in the boys’ singles of the under-16 Junior National Open Championship last month. He also finished second in the under-12 Junior National Open Championship in the past.
He is a winner of the under-14 Junior National Open Championship.
“I sincerely thank my teacher for inspiring me to pursue tennis. Now, I have the honor of representing my country, and I am fully committed to giving my best. Every day, I train with dedication, knowing that this is a chance to make Bhutan proud on the international stage.”
The two players were selected based on their recent performances. Their schedule includes on-court training for two hours in the morning and two and a half hours in the evening along with rigorous physical fitness sessions.
Their training began on January 25 and will continue for a month to sharpen their skills.
Yonten Gyeltshen, Coach of Bhutan Tennis Federation said “Our focus is on improving the players’ tactical skills, technical abilities, and overall physical fitness. We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of three coaches working intensively with them for a month. The boys are showing great determination, and we are confident they will perform to the best of their abilities.”
The top two teams from this tournament will advance to the final qualifying round.
The top-performing teams in the Final Qualifiers will then qualify for the Junior Davis Cup Finals, where the best junior teams from around the world compete.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Kipchu
