Thimphu, Bhutan, July 26, 2023: Bhutan will send its largest squad of 28 athletes for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8.
The Himalayan kingdom will compete in 10 sports and this is the biggest squad to represent Bhutan at an Asian Games according to local media. Bhutan first participated at the Seoul 1986 Asian Games.
Bhutan will compete in archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, golf, judo, karate, swimming, shooting and taekwondo. Bhutanese athletes will be making their Asian Games debut in badminton, judo, karate and swimming.
The selection of the 28 athletes reflects the nation’s commitment to strengthening its sporting representation on the international stage. A number of athletes have been honing their skills overseas – badminton and swimmers undergoing rigourous training in Thailand while four taekwondo athletes are receiving specialised training at Kyung-II University in Korea.
Lenchu Kuenzang, 30, who will compete in the men’s 10 metre air rifle event, is being billed as a medal contender. He said: “I have been shooting for about 10 years. I participated at the Tokyo Olympics and was able to break my record. Compared to the previous games, I am confident and I hope to record my personal best.”
Judoka Tandin Wangchuk said: “I am not so confident as this is the first time judo is being represented from Bhutan at the Asian Games. But I have a lot of experience having competed at the South Asian Games on three occasions and at the World Championships. I will work hard and hope to do well.”
