By Meera Regmi
OCA Young Reporter from Bhutan
Nagoya, Japan, September 23, 2026: As the bell rang for the match, Kinley carried more than just his gloves into the ring. He carried the hopes of the people back home in Bhutan and the pride of representing his country on one of Asia’s biggest sporting stages.
Kinley’s Asian Games journey came to an end as he faced Jordan’s Mohammad Abu Jajeh in the men’s 60kg preliminary round at Nishio Gymnasium. Despite giving his all across all three rounds, the Bhutanese boxer was defeated as the Jordanian secured a 5–0 unanimous decision victory.
Regardless of the result, the 22-year-old boxer has already made his mark at the Asian U19 & U23 Boxing Championships, and this experience has now become another chapter in Kinley’s journey.
Hope and belief accompanied the young boxer before he entered the ring. With confidence in his mind and Bhutan in his heart, he stepped into the ring determined to give his best.
“I just wanted to give my best and honestly I gave my best. It's a shame that it didn't work out as I envisioned it but I learned a lot and I will forever be grateful for it!”
Having competed at the U19 & U23 Asian Championships and secured a bronze medal, Kinley said the experience gave him greater confidence, which helped guide him into his Asian Games bout. His achievement has not only added to Bhutan’s boxing record but has also given him valuable experience and memories to carry forward as he continues his journey in the ring.
Despite the endless nights of practice and strict dietary control, there were always periods of self-doubt for Kinley. There were times when he stood in the ring and felt that what he was doing was not enough, especially knowing that the people of Bhutan had placed their trust in him. Questions about his career choices and where his boxing journey would take him often lingered in his mind.
Yet, he did not let those thoughts haunt him for long. Instead of allowing them to define him, he focused on his training sessions and let his hard work and dedication shape him.
“I always wondered whether I would be able to do well and make everyone standing beside me proud. I was practicing but never knew if it was enough. I was always hungry for more and that hunger and drive has made this possible. Cutting of weight for me was difficult for me as well, I had a hard time with it,” said Kinley.
Kinley expressed that competing in other championships and competitions had given him valuable lessons, which helped him remain calm before entering the ring. Being aware of his own abilities and trusting himself has shaped him into a boxer capable of handling pressure with confidence and composure.
“It's never easy to get into the ring and I feel it's also not possible to get into the ring without any stress and pressure, but the only person who knows you better is you, so trusting yourself and being entirely focused into the game is really important, you need to believe in yourself and all the training sessions you have had,” said Kinley.
When asked about his motivation, Kinley answered with a proud smile on his face:
“Bhutan! Bhutan and the people motivates me to work harder. I want to do better not just for me, of course I want to be a good boxer but I want to make a name for my country through what I love. It's the least I can do for my country.”
He expressed his deep appreciation for his parents and all the Bhutanese who stood beside him and supported him throughout his journey. For Kinley, the journey did not end at Nishio Gymnasium. Instead, it continued with valuable lessons and memories that he will carry with him as he moves forward, along with the pride of representing Bhutan.
“To me representing Bhutan is a dream, that's what I have always wanted to do and I am grateful for this opportunity, I really am. I have always had a passion for boxing and carrying my passion to such great stage while wearing Bhutan's name on my back is a blessing for me. I will always work hard and come back stronger. I will make my country proud!” said Kinley.
