Bhutan’s lone women para-shooter is gearing up to represent the country on the world stage. A final simulation competition was held today at the 10-meter Indoor Shooting Range in Changlimithang. This is to prepare her for the upcoming 2025 World Shooting Para Sport World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
The final simulation brought together eight shooters, allowing them to test their skills, focus, and mental strength under realistic match conditions.
A similar competition was organised last month with seven shooters, including one female and one male para-athlete, alongside able-bodied athletes.
It is to test the athletes’ confidence, mental resilience, and ability to perform under real competition pressure.
These exercises help athletes adapt to international competition environments, build confidence in front of a crowd, and enhance mental readiness.
“If we do not get trained here, we get nervous in the main competition. Practising in this format today, similar to international tournaments, will immensely benefit me in the upcoming World Cup,” said Kinley Dem, Para-athlete.
30-year-old Kinley Dem from Wangdue Phodrang will compete in the 10m Air Rifle category at the World Shooting Para Sport World Cup from 25th October to 5th November. The event will feature top para-shooters from around the globe and serves as a key platform for qualification and preparation for major events, including the 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan.
Kinley started her career in 2018 and has represented Bhutan in several international para-shooting events, including the Asian Para Games, WSPS World Cup, and Summer Paralympic Games.
“I am hoping to perform better than in the past competitions. My training has improved, and I am now consistently scoring over 620 points, which I struggled to achieve before,” said Kinley Dem, Para Athlete, WSPS World Championship.
Guided by her coach Dawa Lham, she aims to build on the international experience gained through previous competitions supported by the Bhutan Paralympic Committee and World Shooting Para Sport.
“The competition is mainly to prepare for upcoming tournaments, especially mentally. Organising such events here helps athletes adapt so that competing internationally feels less challenging,” said Dawa Lham, Coach, Bhutan Shooting Federation.
Kinley’s personal best stands at 630 points, well above the 570-point minimum required to qualify for the Asian Para Games and Paralympic Games.
In today’s competition, she scored just over 617 points, finishing in second place.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
