Lhakpa Quendren

Gelephu—At just 13 years old, Kinley Pelden, an eighth grader at Gelephu Lower Secondary School, is emerging as a standout in the world of Judo.

After only seven months at the local Judo club, she clinched a bronze medal at an inter-tournament, followed by a prestigious gold medal at the inaugural International Children’s Judo Tournament in Thimphu in August 2024.

Her achievements have fueled her passion for Judo.

“Although I struggle with academics, sports ignite my spirit,” she says, joining over 60 fellow judokas in practice three times a week.

“I started for self-defense and health benefits. I feel fit, and it also opens doors to international tournaments where I can exchange experiences.”

Last year, two judokas competed in an under-19 international event, both returning with bronze medals. This past August, the first International Children’s Championship saw one of the six participants take home gold, with two others earning bronze.

“This is just the beginning,” says 12-year-old Damchoe Dorji Wangmo, a sixth grader and bronze medalist at the international tournament, who also won a gold medal and the title of Best Player at the inter-tournament.

Fellow gold medalist, 14-year-old Thinly Nima Yoezer, reflects, “Judo is fun and a great way to relax. Initially, I wasn’t interested, but after participating in a tournament, my enthusiasm grew.”

During training sessions, both boys and girls share the mats, embodying the club’s vibrant spirit. The growing enthusiasm for Judo in Gelephu is palpable, with many new members joining the ranks.

Coach Pema Dargay passionately notes, “Despite being a new sport for the kids, our judokas have excelled, bringing home about 25 medals in just two years.” He believes that once children develop a love for Judo, they are likely to stick with it. “Through Judo, they learn discipline and punctuality, which transforms their attitudes.”

The Judo club, founded in 2023 by businessman Sonam Dorji with support from the Gelephu Thromde Administration and the Bhutan Judo Association, aims to engage children, especially girls. “I wanted our kids to have safe and positive activities,” says Sonam, whose daughter practices Judo.

The Thromde administration assisted in setting up a training hall, previously used for Taekwondo, with parents actively contributing to its upkeep. “Since my daughter joined Judo, I’ve noticed her become more active and confident,” shares parent Thinley Dorji. “She has moved from being glued to her phone to sharing her social life, mostly revolving around the sport.”

Currently, students from Gelephu Thromde and Gewog are participating in the Judo club, with all Class 12 students at Losel Gyatsho Academy set to join next year.

Judo is a new sport in Bhutan with growing opportunities for interested youth. It began as a club at Pelkhil School in Thimphu around 2010 and became affiliated with the Bhutan Olympic Committee in 2015 as its popularity increased.