Tokyo, Japan, July 29, 2021: Karma, the affable archer from Bhutan, saw her Olympic journey come to an end on Wednesday, July 28, but only after completing a landmark achievement for her country.
Instead of competing at the Games via universality invitation, as Bhutan has at every Games since Los Angeles 1984, Karma earned her ticket outright, becoming the first athlete from her country, in any sport, to win a quota place at the Olympics.
The 31-year-old Karma was seeded 56th overall at the Tokyo Olympics, and faced world number one Deepika Kumari of India in her first round match. And while she lost in straight sets, Karma was nonetheless pleased with the significant progress she has made for Bhutan by attending these Games.
In an interview with World Archery, Karma said: “To qualify for the Olympics was my biggest dream. To participate at the Tokyo Olympics was like achieving a medal for our country. I’m very satisfied.
“I didn’t think I’m scared or that I wanted to beat her. I didn’t think of that. I just kept in my mind that I wanted to give my best. I don’t care if I win or lose. I’m satisfied.”
Karma won her quota spot during the Asian continental qualification tournament in Bangkok. By earning her place, rather than receiving a wildcard invitation, she said she felt less pressure to perform well when she arrived at the Olympics.
She trained under the watchful eye of Korean Sally Park Young-sook, and made huge progress technically.
“She is God's gift to me,” Karma said. “Whatever I achieve, it’s all because of her. She helped me a lot and I thank her. Because of her, I’m here.”
Coach Sally was quick to praise Karma.
“She was fantastic,” said Sally, who represented Korea in the 1984 Olympics. “I never felt that type of pressure. Everything was perfect. I’m very satisfied with her performance.”
Archery is Bhutan’s national sport and Coach Sally is building something bigger.
“We didn’t even have a B team. Now we have a team A, B and C,” Karma said.
