Bhutanese Taekwondo

2 min read
Stub
people

This article is about a living or recently deceased person. Edits must be supported by reliable, verifiable sources. Unsupported or potentially defamatory content will be removed.

Bhutanese taekwondo athletes have represented the country at regional and international competitions. The sport has gained popularity among youth and is supported by the Bhutan Taekwondo Federation.

Overview

Taekwondo is one of the most widely practised martial arts and competitive sports in Bhutan. The Bhutan Taekwondo Federation (BTF), founded in 1985 and a member of World Taekwondo since that year, oversees the sport's development across the country.[1]

Growth and Reach

Taekwondo is practised by more than 30,000 young enthusiasts organised under 18 Dzongkhag (district) Taekwondo Associations, comprising 198 school clubs and private clubs.[1] The BTF's headquarters is in Thimphu, with divisions covering administration, development, and technical training.[1]

A new purpose-built Taekwondo centre has been planned, with Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck (president of the Bhutan Olympic Committee) attending the groundbreaking ceremony.[3]

International Competition

Bhutanese taekwondo athletes have represented the country at multiple international events:[2]

  • Youth Olympics: Chimi Wangmo (2010, Singapore) and Tshering Yangchen (2018, Buenos Aires)
  • Asian Games: Regular participation since Bhutan's debut in 1974
  • South Asian Games: 9 bronze medals at the 2016 Games; 4 additional bronze medals in 2019

Overall, Bhutan has accumulated 2 gold, 23 silver, and 66 bronze medals across all sports at the South Asian Games, with taekwondo being a significant contributor.[2]

Recognition

The BTF Secretary General received a national honour from the Bhutan Olympic Committee in recognition of long-standing service to the sport.[3]

References

  1. "Profile." Bhutan Taekwondo Federation.
  2. "Bhutan Taekwondo Federation." Bhutan Olympic Committee.
  3. "Bhutan Taekwondo Federation secretary general honoured by NOC." Inside the Games.
  4. "Bhutan at the Asian Games." Bhutan Olympic Committee.

Test Your Knowledge

Full Quiz

Think you know about this topic? Try a quick quiz!

Help improve this article

Do you have personal knowledge about this topic? Were you there? Your experience matters. BhutanWiki is built by the community, for the community.

Anonymous contributions welcome. No account required.