The South Asia Regional Junior Badminton Championships 2024 has drawn to a close in Islamabad, Pakistan, with Bhutan making its mark with an impressive performance, earning bronze medals in two events.
Bhutan’s junior team played in the U15 and U17 Mixed Doubles events. Sonam Phuntsho Tsheten and Yangchen Dolkar claimed bronze in the U15 event, while Ngawang Rigsel Jurmey and Kritty Gurung also triumphed in the U17 events.
The road to victory was not without its obstacles. Bhutan’s U15 Mixed Doubles faced stiff competition from Maldives in the quarter-finals, emerging victorious with a score of 22-20, 21-15, securing their spot in the semi-finals. Similarly, in the U17 Mixed Doubles, the Bhutanese duo dominated their Maldives opponents with a convincing win of 21-6, 21-3, advancing to the semi-finals.
However, Bhutan’s singles players faced tough challenges. Sonam Phuntsho Tsheten was defeated in the Boy’s Singles U15 category to a player from Sri Lanka with a score of 9-21, 3-21. Yangchen Dolkar showed resilience in the Girl’s Singles U15 category, triumphing over her Maldives opponent in the first round with a score of 21 – 5, 21 – 2 and eliminated in the quarter-finals by a player from Pakistan, with a score of 5-21, 12-21.
In the Boy’s Singles U17 category, Ngawang Rigsel Jurmey struggled against a player from Nepal, losing with a score of 9-21, 13-21. Likewise, in the Girl’s Singles U17 category, Kritty Gurung faced a challenging opponent from Sri Lanka in the quarter-finals, ultimately losing with a score of 9-21, 6-21.
Despite the individual setbacks, Bhutan’s collective performance secured commendable results for the nation, earning bronze medals in the Mixed Doubles categories.
The South Asia Regional Junior Badminton Championships 2024 provided a platform for young talents to showcase their skills and foster solidarity among nations in the region.
As the tournament concludes, Bhutan’s achievements underscore the dedication and talent of its emerging badminton stars.
