Thinley Namgay

Of the 26 Bhutanese athletes participating at the ongoing 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, only five of them remain in the contest as of yesterday.

Of that, three are compound archers and the other two are karate athletes. Bhutan will face India today in the compound archery team game.

The athletes have been undergoing rigorous training since the qualification.

Karate player Tshering Phuntsho will face Dahlan MHB of Brunei Darussalam in the men’s kumite -60kg round tomorrow. Rinchen Jamtsho is scheduled to fight Fahed Alajmi of Kuwait in men’s kumite -60kg round on October 7.

Karate, swimming, boxing, judo, and taekwondo athletes follow a knockout format.

Bhutan’s karate team landed in China on October 1. Coach Tshering Dorji said the players have to try their best regardless of the result. He remains optimistic about their performance in the Games.

Players and officials from judo, swimming, taekwondo, and boxing have returned home.

Since the commencement of Games on September 24, the home country outshone other countries in the medal tally.

As of yesterday, China is leading with 304 medals including 165 gold, and 91 silver.  Japan is in second place with 135 medals with 35 gold.

South Korea occupied third position with 33 gold, 44 silver and 67 bronze, totalling 144 medals. Owing to the gold and silver medals difference, South Korea is behind Japan in the medal tally as of yesterday.

From the SAARC region, India acquired  80 medals: 18 gold, 30 silver, and 32 bronze as of yesterday.

The Asian Games will end on October 8.   Between October 9 and October 15, the most awaited Asian Para Games will take place at the same venue.