NGAWANG JAMPHEL | Thimphu
The 7th Paralympic Festival 2026 held at Gesarling Central School in Dagana on April 15 highlighted Bhutan’s growing commitment to inclusive sports and the empowerment of persons with disabilities, bringing together more than 1,000 participants from across the community.
Her Royal Highness Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan Paralympic Committee, graced the event as the chief guest.
Her Highness’ presence emphasizes the importance of promoting equal opportunities through sports and recognising the achievements of para-athletes in Bhutan.
The festival was organised under the theme “We See Ability,” reflecting a strong message that individuals should be recognised for their strengths rather than their limitations.
Students, teachers, community members, local leaders, and officials gathered to celebrate the spirit of inclusion and participation through sports.
Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa, Minister of Education and Skills Development, also attended the festival along with senior ministry officials, showing the government’s continued support for inclusive education and sports development in the country.
One of the major highlights of the event was the felicitation of two outstanding Bhutanese para-athletes who recently brought international recognition to the country.
Cheyang Kuenchap received a bronze medal at the Asian Youth Para Games 2025 in Dubai, while Chimi Dema won a bronze medal at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 in New Delhi.
Her Royal Highness personally presented awards to the athletes in recognition of their achievements and dedication. Their success served as a source of inspiration for young participants attending the festival.
During the event, the athletes also shared their personal journeys and experiences with students and community members. They spoke about the challenges they faced and how determination, discipline, and support from family and institutions helped them succeed.
Their stories encouraged many young people to believe in their abilities and remain confident in pursuing their dreams.
The festival also featured a wide range of adaptive sports activities, allowing participants to experience different para sports disciplines.
Activities included blind football, boccia, wheelchair basketball, para badminton, para shooting, and para-archery.
These activities helped students and community members better understand the importance of inclusive sports and the abilities of persons with disabilities.
Many participants said the experience helped change their perspectives and increased their appreciation for the efforts of para-athletes.
Officials from the Bhutan Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Bhutan Insurance Limited, national sports federations, and the Dagana Dzongkhag Administration also attended the festival.
Their participation reflected strong cooperation among different organizations in promoting inclusive sports opportunities in Bhutan.
According to organisers, the festival aimed not only to promote sports participation but also to raise awareness about the importance of creating equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of physical ability.
They said events like the Paralympic Festival play an important role in encouraging communities to become more supportive and inclusive.
Chimi Dema, who won a bronze medal at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in New Delhi in March 2026, was honoured with a Soelra in recognition of her outstanding achievement.
Receiving the award, she expressed deep gratitude and emotion. “It is such an honour to visit Dagana for the first time, and receiving the Soelra from Her Royal Highness made my day even more special,” she said, adding that the recognition strengthens her determination to continue excelling in para-athletics and representing Bhutan at the international level.
Cheyang Kuenchap, a para badminton player from Dagana, was also among the Soelra recipients. He earned a bronze medal at the 6th Asian Youth Para Games held in December 2025, marking a significant milestone in his sporting journey.
Expressing his gratitude, he said, “Receiving this recognition inspires me to train harder and bring more pride to Bhutan in future competitions.”
He added that such encouragement motivates him to pursue excellence in para badminton and continue pushing beyond limitations.
Both athletes shared that the recognition serves as a powerful reminder that dedication and perseverance can overcome challenges.
They expressed their commitment to continue training with greater discipline and confidence, aiming to uplift Bhutan’s presence in para sports on the global stage.
Their stories stood as a testament to resilience, proving that with support and opportunity, athletes with disabilities can achieve remarkable success.
Teachers and students who attended the programme described the Paralympic Festival as both educational and deeply inspiring.
Many noted that they gained a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and the importance of fostering empathy, inclusion, and equal opportunities within schools and communities.
The personal stories of the athletes particularly resonated with young participants, encouraging them to value determination and self-belief.
The festival also created an important platform for participants to engage with adaptive sports, offering hands-on experiences in disciplines such as blind football, boccia, wheelchair basketball, para badminton, para shooting, and para-archery.
These activities helped break down misconceptions and allowed attendees to appreciate the skills, strength, and competitiveness of para-athletes.
Organizers highlighted that such exposure plays a crucial role in changing societal perceptions and building more inclusive communities.
They emphasized that sports can serve as a bridge for understanding, unity, and empowerment, especially for persons with disabilities who often face barriers to participation.
