Two Paralympic athletes from Bhutan Paralympic committee, the first to represent the country yesterday left for the third Para Asian Games, which will be held from October 6-13 in Jakarta- Palembang, Indonesia.

According to a press release from Bhutan Olympic Committee, two athletes, Pema Rigsel and Kinley Dem will represent the country in the multisport event that will be contested by 4,000 Para athletes from 43 countries for 581 medals.

Pema Rigsel, 30, the para-archer has been training with Bhutan Archery Federation since 2017. He will compete in 70 metres wheelchair recurve archery.

According to the press release, the archer aspires to bring medals for the country since he is participating in international games for the first time.

Para shooter, Kinley Dem will compete in 10 metres wheelchair rifle shooting.

“After living an isolated life, I never thought that I would be able to perform at this stage through shooting. I am glad to have taken this opportunity and I will perform my best,” Kinely Dem said.

Bhutan Paralympic Committee got affiliated with the International Paralympic Committee and Asian Paralympic Committee following its establishment in 2017.

The committee was established to provide a platform for individuals living with disabilities to participate and shine through sports.

Asian Para Games will feature 15 Paralympic and three non-Paralympic sports, which are: archery, para athletic, badminton, boccia, chess, cycling, goal ball, judo, lawn ball, para powerlifting, para swimming, shooting para sport, tenpin bowling, table tennis, volleyball sitting, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, and wheelchair tennis.

The Asian Para Games is organised by the Asian Paralympic Committee.

Staff Reporter