Bhutan wins eight medals on debut at APDSF Regional Games

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Bhutan wins eight medals on debut at APDSF Regional Games

Four students from the Draktsho branch in Kanglung, Trashigang, delivered an impressive performance for Bhutan at the Asia Pacific Down Syndrome Federation (APDSF) Regional Games, winning a total of eight medals at the event held recently at Nehru Stadium in Chennai, India.

Competing against athletes from ten countries, the Bhutanese team secured three gold, four silver and one bronze medal, marking a strong debut for the country at the regional games.

Kinga Rabsel, 21, from Trashigang, emerged as a standout performer in the junior category, winning two gold medals in the bocce duel and the 50-metre walk race. Namgay Wangmo, 23, also from Trashigang, claimed gold in the 50-metre run and a silver medal in the softball throw in the master category.

Dupten Pem Wangmo, 23, from Trashi Yangtse, won a silver medal in the bocce duel and a bronze in the 100-metre walk race. Jamyang Dorji, 21, from Trashigang, added two silver medals to Bhutan’s tally in the 25-metre run and shot put in the senior category.

Officials described the achievement as significant, noting that it was Bhutan’s first participation at the APDSF Games and came despite limited preparation time.

The athletes’ participation and performance were made possible through collaboration between Ability Bhutan Society (ABS) and Draktsho, reflecting growing opportunities for persons with disabilities to engage in competitive sports.

The team’s participation was supported by Helvetas Country Office, Save the Children Bhutan and DHI, while DrukFit, Opening Your Heart to Bhutan and individual sponsors contributed jerseys, tracksuits and footwear for the athletes.