Thinley Namgay

With the elimination of shotput contestant  Chimi Dema yesterday, all four para-athletes representing Bhutan at the ongoing fourth Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, have exited the games.

Chimi, 30, stood eighth out of nine contenders. However, she achieved a personal best of 5.71 metres.  In all six rounds of the competition yesterday, she maintained almost similar performance.

Although Chimi lost the contest, she is optimistic about future competitions. “I tried my best. I learned a lot from the Asian Games. Through the experience of the games, I will train more hereafter and do well.”

She said the good facilities of the host country helped all athletes perform well in the games.  “We received timely services and hospitality is very good.”

It was Chimi’s maiden appearance in the games although she has been into shotput for five years.

Meanwhile, in the men’s individual recurve elimination round of 16 on October 24, Pema Rigsel lost to Sahil of India by 4-6 points. Shooter Kinley Dem and badminton player Sapuna Subba were eliminated on October 23.

Although all athletes lost the games, officials applauded that the participants played well despite the country featuring in games only twice so far.

After the establishment of the Bhutan Paralympic Committee in 2017, Bhutan first took part in the Asian Para Games in 2018 in Jakarta, Indonesia with two athletes-recurve archer Pema Rigsel and shooter Kinley Dem.

Officials said the doubling of participants this year indicates Bhutan’s commitment to providing equal opportunity for all athletes through sports.

 The games also provide a platform for both participants and coaches to gain exposure and learn relevant skills.

The games which began on October 22 will end today.