YANGCHEN LHAMO
Thimphu
The Bhutan National Badminton Team is all set to take on the challenge at the prestigious Badminton Asia South Asia Regional Championships 2024 in Islamabad, Pakistan.
The team consists of talented players representing Bhutan in different age categories. In the under-17 category, Bhutan has Ngawang Rigsel Jurmey and Kritty Gurung to showcase their skills on the court.
Additionally, Sonam Phuntsho Tsheten and Yangchen Dolkar will be representing Bhutan in the under-15 category. These young athletes are under the guidance of Coach Dorji, who is providing them with valuable insights and training.
The team arrived in Pakistan on February 23rd and has been undergoing specialized training led by expert coaches from Badminton Asia. This rigorous training program aims to further enhance the skills and abilities of our players, preparing them for the intense competition ahead. The training continued until March 1, 2024.
The Badminton Asia South Asia Regional Championships is now in its fourth edition and serves as a remarkable platform for our talented players to showcase their abilities and compete against some of the best players from the South Asia region. It also provides them with the opportunity to learn from experienced coaches during the specialized training sessions.
According to National Coach Dorji, despite the limited preparation time, the Bhutan Badminton Federation has diligently worked to ensure the success of the team. The federation conducted a Talent Identification Program from January 1st to 20th January 2024, engaging participants from various regions of Bhutan, including Punakha, Thimphu, Samtse, Dagana, and Lhuentse.
From this program, 15 promising players were selected for a rigorous 10-day training regimen. Among them, two exceptional U-17 players were chosen based on their exceptional skills and potential.
It is worth noting that Bhutan will exclusively compete in individual events, forgoing team participation, while teams from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Maldives will also be participating.
The players are currently immersed in a joint training camp led by Badminton Asia development experts, Sambenthan and Thana Arikrishnan from Malaysia. Both physically and mentally prepared, our players are ready for the upcoming tournament.
As their coach, Coach Dorji instills in them the mantra; “Win if you can, lose if you must, but never give up.”
“With the dedication and determination of our players, we are confident that they will make Bhutan proud in the forthcoming tournament,” said Coach Dorji.
In an exclusive interview, Kritty Gurung U-17, a talented badminton player shared her expectations for the upcoming championship and her plans to represent her country with pride. She expressed her desire to win matches and give a tough fight on the court, highlighting the importance of good sportsmanship and showcasing Bhutan’s talent to the world.
When asked about her preparation strategies, Kritty said that she has been focusing on playing her shots carefully and with intense concentration. By avoiding unforced errors, she aims to excel in the tournament and make her country proud.
Kritty also emphasized the instrumental role of the Badminton Association of Bhutan in her preparation. The support provided by the Bhutan Badminton Federation, including kits and equipment, has greatly aided her training, enabling her to elevate her skills to a higher level.
Anticipating the challenges that come with competitive matches, Kritty acknowledged the pressure she might face. However, she plans to overcome it by staying calm, mentally strong, and focusing on her ultimate goal; winning the game.
As a representative of Bhutan, Kritty is committed to promoting the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie among the participating nations. She believes in playing fair and maintaining a positive attitude towards everyone, fostering a friendly and supportive environment on the international stage.
