The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan Paralympic Committee, graced the 7th Paralympic Festival 2026 at Gesarling Central School in Dagana on 15th April.
The para sports in Bhutan recognizes the achievements of athletes who continue to push the boundaries of human potential.
The festival, which drew over 1,000 participants, including students, educators, and local government officials served as a vibrant platform for promoting the core theme: “We See Ability”.
The event was also attended by Lyonpo Yeezang Dee Thapa, Minister of Education and Skills Development, along with other senior ministry officials, reinforcing the collective state support for inclusive education and sports.
A defining moment of the ceremony was the personal felicitation of two of Bhutan’s most successful para athletes by HRH Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck. The awards recognized the exceptional international accomplishments of:
Cheyang Kuenchap, who secured a bronze medal at the Asian Youth Para Games 2025 in Dubai.
Chimi Dema, a bronze medalist at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 in New Delhi.
These athletes later led inspirational sessions, sharing stories of perseverance and triumph that motivated the young students and community members in attendance.
The festival grounds were transformed into a hub of activity as participants engaged in a wide array of adaptive sports. The event provided firsthand exposure to disciplines such as blind football, boccia, wheelchair basketball, para badminton, para shooting, and para archery.
These activities were designed not only for competition but to foster deep empathy and understanding of the inclusive nature of sports.
The success of the event was bolstered by a collaborative effort involving the Bhutan Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, and Bhutan Insurance Limited, alongside national sports federations and the Dagana Dzongkhag Administration.
As the festival concluded, it left a profound impact on the local community, strengthening the belief that ability should always be recognized above limitation.
By showcasing that sport has the unique power to unite and transform lives, the Bhutan Paralympic Committee continues to lead the nation toward a more compassionate and inclusive society where every individual is given the opportunity to shine.
