Chimi Dema - a Paralympic athlete who overcame societal challenges and personal setbacks to excel in para-sports.
At 31, Chimi Dema is not just a student pursuing a sports science course at Royal Thimphu College—she’s also a determined Paralympic athlete who has proudly represented Bhutan on international platforms.
Born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, Chimi’s journey has been one of resilience and courage. From an early age, she faced societal challenges that could have discouraged many. Yet, with unwavering determination, she broke barriers and carved a space for herself in para-sports, inspiring many along the way.
Early Life and Challenges
Growing up in a society where accessibility for people with disabilities was often limited, Chimi faced daily struggles. Basic tasks like traveling to and from school were difficult, requiring constant assistance from her parents.
She attended Saleng Primary School up to Class 6 before moving to Gyelpozhing Higher Secondary School for Classes 7 to 10. However, after not qualifying from Class 10, she completed her higher secondary education at Nima Higher Secondary School.
Despite not facing extreme discrimination, she did experience moments where society focused more on her limitations rather than her potential. In a country where para-sports were still in their infancy, the idea of an athlete with disabilities competing internationally was not widely accepted.
Finding employment was another challenge. After completing high school, she managed to secure a job as a dispatcher in a private company. However, in 2018, she lost her job due to a lack of an inclusive working environment. This setback left her uncertain about her future and questioning the opportunities available to her.
Discovering Para-Sports
After losing her job, Chimi was living with her brother and managing with daily expenses. It was then that a friend of her brother introduced her to para-sports, an emerging field in Bhutan at the time.
“I wasn’t sure at first and was hesitant about the opportunities. But with encouragement from my brother and his friend, I decided to give it a shot.”
In 2018, she registered for para-athletics training and committed herself fully to developing the skills needed to compete at an international level.
List of Major Events Participated
- Participated in World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Beijing, China
Participated in World Para Athletics Championship in Dubai.
- Represented Bhutan at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
- Competed in the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China.
- 5th Indian Open Para Athletics International Championship in Bengaluru, India. (won a silver medal with a personal best throw of 5.71 meters)
Chimi Dema’s journey is a reminder that success isn’t defined by physical ability but by perseverance and heart. From overcoming societal barriers to making her mark on the global stage, she has shown that true strength lies in never giving up. As she continues to chase her dreams, she serves as an inspiration to all—proving that with dedication and the right support, anything is possible. Her story is not just about sports but about breaking stereotypes and paving the way for a more inclusive future.
Advocating for Better Support for Para-Athletes
As a national para-athlete, Chimi has firsthand experience of the challenges faced by athletes with disabilities in Bhutan. She believes that with better support, such as accommodation centers, stipends, and proper training facilities, para-athletes could perform even better on the international stage.
“We still have a long way to go. Having basic support systems in place would make a huge difference for us.”
– Chimi Dema
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