The Bhutan Olympic Committee extends its heartfelt good wishes to the U20 Judo Team, who have made an impressive mark at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan (BKSP) Cup International Judo Championship 2025, held on May 25 and 26 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Representing Bhutan with pride and determination were three talented judokas: Tenzin Dorji (+73kg), Yeshay Nidup (-66kg), and Kinga Norbu (-60kg). The team closed out the two-day championship with a commendable medal haul: one gold and two bronze—an achievement that highlights the rising standard of Bhutanese judo.

Tenzin Dorji delivered a commanding performance in the +73kg category, securing the gold medal after defeating Bangladesh’s Farhan Bin Hasnat in the final. Competing against larger opponents in a category with no upper weight limit, Tenzin displayed immense strength and technique. He won the final bout with a brilliant harai-goshi (hip sweep) for ippon, following a dominant semifinal victory over Nepal’s Bigyan Tikhatri.

Yeshay Nidup began his run in the -66kg category with flair, dispatching Bangladesh’s MD Anik Hasan with a drop seoi-nage for ippon. He continued his form against MD Sihab Ali, scoring a wazaari before transitioning smoothly into a juji-gatame (armbar), forcing a tapout for another ippon. Although he fell in the semifinals to Nepal’s Vishesh B.K., Yeshay secured a bronze medal. A product of the Bhutan Judo Association’s grassroots program and a Pelkhil School Judo Scholarship recipient since primary school, Yeshay’s journey is a model of consistent development and commitment.

In the -60kg category, which featured 11 strong contenders, Kinga Norbu battled through five intense fights to win bronze. Kinga, who has been part of the grassroots and development program for seven years and is also a Pelkhil School Judo Scholarship recipient, showcased remarkable grit and focus throughout the competition.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our young judokas—Tenzin, Yeshay, and Kinga. Each of them stepped onto the mat with courage, discipline, and heart. Competing at an international level is never easy, especially against seasoned opponents from Bangladesh and Nepal. But our athletes showed that Bhutan is ready to rise on the judo map.

Tenzin’s power and precision in the +73kg category were remarkable, especially considering he was up against much heavier opponents. Yeshay displayed tactical brilliance and technical skill, and Kinga fought with incredible resilience throughout five tough matches to earn his bronze.

This success is the result of years of hard work, not just by the athletes, but also by the Bhutan Judo Federation, our grassroots coaches, and institutions like Pelkhil School who’ve believed in these young talents from the beginning.

We are just getting started. This is only the beginning for Bhutanese judo.”

— Purna Gurung, Coach, Bhutan Judo Team

The tournament featured participants from three countries—Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan—and spotlighted the best U20 judokas from the region. Bhutan’s 3-member team walking away with 3 medals is a powerful reflection of the country’s growing presence and competitiveness in international judo.

On behalf of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, a huge congratulations to the Bhutan Judo Federation for their outstanding work in developing world-class talent through their grassroots programs. The remarkable performances of Tenzin Dorji, Yeshay Nidup, and Kinga Norbu at the BKSP Cup International Judo Championship 2025 stand as a proud testament to Bhutan’s growing strength on the international judo stage. The entire nation applauds their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship as they continue to elevate Bhutanese judo to new heights.