By Meera Regmi
OCA Young Reporter from Bhutan
Nagoya, Japan, September 26, 2026: Sangay has always enjoyed running, not because it kept him in great physical shape, but because he loved it and ran with his heart.
For Sangay, running 10,000 metres was not just about winning medals; it was about the journey that brought him to his dream .the Asian Games. Representing Bhutan in the men’s 10,000m final at the 20th Asian Games, Sangay completed the intense race in 10th place.
The result showed the athlete, but not the person behind the sport. Speaking about his experience on the track, Sangay expressed how anxious he had felt. For him, running was not only about beating his previous time; it was about representing Bhutan at the Asian Games and carrying the hopes and aspirations of the Bhutanese people.
Having participated in many competitions, including the 2019 South Asian Games in Nepal, where Sangay finished sixth in the men’s 10,000m, he decided to cover the same distance once again,but this time the stage was bigger - and so were his dreams and aspirations.
“I have definitely gained a lot of experience and confidence to go on to the stage. I have practiced as well but, despite all of it, my performance was not up to my expectations. Maybe it was the weather; I had a hard time with it. It’s okay, I am taking with me more experiences and values, and that’s all that matters.”
Despite the abundance of other disciplines, Sangay continued to hold on to the 10,000m because of his enthusiasm and love for running. After preparing for almost three years for the Asian Games and finally competing on the track, the runner expressed a sense of gratitude and fulfilment.
“I chose 10,000m because I had the best timing for it previously. So, both my coach and I thought about my confidence and timing in terms of the 10,000m and decided to run it.”
Running at the international level means competing alongside the continent's finest runners. For Sangay, pressure and nerves were inevitable, but what kept him going was his strong mindset and his country. Running has shaped him into a well-conditioned athlete and a resilient runner.
“During the training sessions, I just wanted to improve my timing and set a higher goal for myself. I knew that if I worked hard and improved my timing, I could always aim for a medal. That’s how I kept my head straight and stayed focused. But, yes, the pressure was there. Running alongside great runners will always make you anxious, but I just wanted to improve my timing. I wanted to do it for the people back home. My coach’s words guided me to stay focused too.”
Motivation and encouragement usually come from others, but, for Sangay, his inner voice and his responsibility to represent Bhutan at the Asian Games spoke louder, pushing him to give his best.
“For me, I just want to perform better than what I did before. I want to improve my timing. Moreover, I know my entire country is watching and supporting me. I saw really positive responses from my country online as well. So I have to do well. I want to do well! I want to make everyone back home proud! That’s what drives me to run better.”
As a full-time athlete, representing Bhutan is a dream for Sangay, a dream that has come true through his dedication and commitment to the sport. Now, he hopes to inspire young runners and make his country’s name stand tall.
“Wearing this attire with ‘Bhutan’ written on the back is such a proud moment for me. I feel really grateful for all the people back home who are constantly encouraging me. It’s a blessing, honestly. As an athlete, I hope people enjoy running. It’s very difficult, but it’s fun as well. I hope my journey can inspire people.”