Thimphu, Bhutan, July 28, 2021: The Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dr Lotay Tshering, has urged the people to follow the example of the country’s Olympians and to believe in their dreams.
The Facebook account of the Prime Minister’s Office in Bhutan shows an image of the Prime Minister watching Karma in action in the women’s individual archery competition at Tokyo 2020 on Wednesday.
Karma became the first athlete from Bhutan to qualify for the Olympics as opposed to receiving a universality place from the IOC tripartite commission to ensure global representation.
“In between work, delighted to catch archer Karma and our national flag fill the colours on screen. She gave her best at the elimination round today during the ongoing Olympic Games Tokyo,” the statement said.
“Like her, swimmer Sangay, judoka Ngawang and shooter Kinley represented our nation to the best of abilities.
“It is a moment of pride, and they go a long way beyond the games to inspire every Bhutanese, particularly youth. At this rate, our hope of bringing home the medals is not too distant. Believe in your dreams and only sky is the limit.”
Sangay Tenzin summed up his feelings on representing Bhutan.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to be named the first Olympics swimmer from Bhutan, which is completely amazing,” he said.
“Although the outcome did not meet my expectations, it was still a personal best and, after all, when I look from where I started, this is a great achievement in such a short span of time.”
He thanked the Bhutan Olympic Committee and world governing body FINA for providing him with such a life-changing opportunity through a scholarship programme at the Thanyapura training centre in Phuket, Thailand.
“I’m not disappointed at all because all that matters is I just freaking competed in the OLYMPICS!!! and it’s just the beginning,” he added.