Thimphu, Bhutan, January 26, 2025: Chencho Dorji is set to make history by representing Bhutan at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China from February 7-14. He will compete in alpine skiing.
Born in Thimphu, and currently residing in France, Chencho will be the sole Bhutanese athlete in Harbin, and his presence will mark Bhutan’s debut at the Winter Games, and also his debut in an international event.
“It means a lot to me personally to be able to represent Bhutan in the Asian Winter Games. It’s not just an honour, but also a recognition of all the hard work and dedication I’ve put into reaching this point. It fills me with pride knowing that I’m making my family and my country proud,” said Chencho, who will take part in the slalom discipline.
It was love at first glide for Chencho, who was introduced to skiing at a young age by his father. “I spent my childhood in Paris. My dad worked as a first-aider and every winter we would go to the breathtaking mountains of Chamonix and I’d hit the slopes as much as possible.
“But it wasn’t until I was 18 that I decided to pursue skiing more seriously. I enrolled in the National Ski Diploma to become a ski instructor, which required me to take an alpine ski racing test in slalom. That’s when I transitioned from skiing for fun to training more seriously for competition.”
His family has been his “backbone” throughout his career, supporting his decisions and encouraging him to pursue his dreams. Even today, his father is by his side providing moral support.
“I always had a deep desire to do something meaningful for my country. At first, my dream was to develop football in Bhutan, and I even aspired to become the coach of the national football team. However, over time, as I gained experience as a ski instructor I started envisioning myself as the first athlete to represent Bhutan on the international stage at the Winter Olympics.
Chencho added: “Being a pioneer in winter sports in Bhutan is deeply symbolic for me – it’s the realisation of my dream to introduce something new to my home country. My message to anyone who wants to follow a similar path is simple: never give up.”
Article: Courtesy Bhutan Olympic Committee.
