By Meera Regmi
OCA Young Reporter from Bhutan
Nagoya, Japan, October 2, 2026: Behind every athlete lies a journey of perseverance, resilience and hard work. For Bhutanese runner Gawa Zangpo, the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, provided an opportunity to challenge himself on a greater stage. Competing in the men's 5,000m, Gawa clocked 14 minutes and 48.43 seconds, finishing 14th in a fiercely contested race. His performance marked a personal best and opened another chapter in his athletic journey.
Beyond his timing and performance, Gawa's experience at the Asian Games was also a journey of learning and personal growth. Reflecting on his time at the Games, he shared his memorable experience of competing against some of Asia's finest runners on one of the continent's biggest sporting stages.
"Competing at the Asian Games was a memorable experience for me. It was a great opportunity to compete with the best athletes in Asia. I gave my best effort and stayed committed throughout the race. Of course, there are always areas where I can improve, and this experience has motivated me to work harder and come back stronger in my next competitions."
Stepping on to such a significant sporting stage was both exciting and nerve-racking for Gawa. Representing Bhutan at an international event while competing against some of Asia's finest runners was a moment filled with pride and anticipation.
"Stepping on to the track, I was really excited, nervous and filled with pride because I was representing Bhutan on such a big international stage. I felt proud."
Having competed in several international competitions, including the South Asian Games, Gawa has experienced how running can shape an individual beyond the sporting arena. The sport has taught him valuable lessons in discipline, patience, resilience and perseverance, influencing not only his development as a runner but also his outlook on life.
"Having competed in several international competitions, my journey as a runner has shaped me both as an athlete and a person. Every competition has taught me something different. The journey has not always been smooth, but the challenges and experiences have made me more confident and stronger."
Like many athletes, Gawa's journey has involved challenges that have tested his physical and mental endurance. The demands of training, difficult sessions and the pressure of representing his country have required considerable dedication and commitment.
"My journey as a runner has demanded a lot from me, both physically and mentally. The early mornings for training, pushing through difficult sessions and sometimes sacrificing personal time with family and friends have all been part of it. Despite all of that, the journey has taught me that success doesn't come overnight. It requires patience, consistency and a strong mindset."
During difficult moments, motivation becomes an important source of strength for athletes. For Gawa, his passion for running, personal goals and pride in representing Bhutan have helped him remain focused and continue pursuing his ambitions.
"My passion for running, the goals I have set and my dream of representing Bhutan on an international stage have kept me going. There are days when training doesn't go as planned, but I always remind myself how far I have come. The support I receive from my family, coaches and people back home also pushes me to keep going."
Achieving a personal best is a significant milestone in an athlete's career. Beyond the timing itself, it reflects dedication, hard work and a continuous desire to improve. For Gawa, achieving a personal best at the Asian Games was a moment of pride and a reflection of his progress as a runner.
"Achieving a new personal best at such a significant event as the Asian Games means a lot to me. Competing against some of the best athletes in Asia and still managing to achieve a personal best makes me proud. It was special."
Beyond the track and competitions, Gawa values his personal life and the relationships that shape him. While running remains an important part of his life, his interests and relationships outside athletics offer a deeper understanding of the person behind the athlete. From his reasons for choosing the sport to balancing training with his personal life, Gawa shared another side of his journey.
"Outside athletics, I am a person who values spending time with my family and friends. I believe that life outside athletics is important as well because it helps me relax. However, balancing running with my personal life can be challenging because it requires a lot of time, effort, discipline and commitment. I try to balance everything. I chose running because I love it. It brings me happiness when I run. My passion and love for running are what made me choose it."
The Asian Games have become an important milestone in Gawa's athletic journey, offering him an opportunity to test his abilities, gain valuable experience and achieve a personal best. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue improving, take on new challenges and represent Bhutan in future competitions.
"The next chapter of my life is to continue improving as an athlete, set bigger goals and challenge myself to reach higher levels in athletics. I would always want to represent my country with pride and responsibility."
