Thimphu, Bhutan, July 9, 2021: His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee and a member of the International Olympic Committee, granted an audience to the athletes, coaches and officials representing Bhutan at the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games on Thursday, July 8.
“This is a historic sporting moment for Bhutan as we will be represented by four athletes at the 32nd summer Olympic Games,” Prince Jigyel said.
“I know that all of you have trained hard to get here, to the pinnacle of sports, some at great personal sacrifice and effort, and so I would like to wish each and every one of you the very best of luck.
“As ambassadors of our country to Japan, and the entire world watching the Olympic Games, you must represent Bhutan, the Bhutan Olympic and Paralympic Committees and your sport appropriately at all times, whether in the field of play or beyond it.
“Please put in your best effort and give it your best shot. At the same time, revel in the experience, enjoy yourselves but also be mindful of the current challenging times and ensure strict adherence to all the health and safety protocols. Your health and safety is our top most priority.”
Karma, the first athlete from Bhutan to qualify for the Olympic Games, will compete in women’s archery. She said: “I will give my best effort and ensure that I represent the country to the best of my abilities. At the same time, I am extremely excited, happy and proud to represent my country, the BOC, my federation and my family.”
The IOC, through the Tripartite Commission, confirmed the allocation of wild card entries to Lenchu Kunzang (shooting, women’s 10m air rifle), Sangay Tenzin (swimming, men’s 100m freestyle) and Ngawang Namgyal (men’s judo 60kg).
“The Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) expresses our best wishes to all the athletes, coaches and officials for the Games,” the BOC said.