An Interview with Chencho Dorji on Representing
Bhutan at the Asian Winter Games
Chencho Dorji is set to make history by representing Bhutan at the 9th Asian Winter Games, taking place from February 7 to 14, 2025, in Harbin, China. Born in Thimphu, Bhutan, and currently residing in France, Chencho will compete in Alpine Skiing, specifically the slalom discipline. As the sole Bhutanese athlete participating, his entry into this prestigious event marks not only Bhutan’s debut at the Asian Winter Games but also Chencho’s own debut on this international stage.
For Chencho, this opportunity holds deep personal significance. It represents the culmination of years of hard work and determination, bridging his Bhutanese roots with his passion for winter sports. His participation is a powerful symbol of Bhutan’s growing presence in winter sports, inspiring future athletes from the Kingdom. This historic achievement is more than just a competition—it’s the realization of a dream that has fueled Chencho’s journey and his unwavering commitment to making his country proud.
This interview was conducted online by Victor Gurung, Media & Technical Lead Consultant.
Where did you grow up, and what was your childhood like?
I spent my childhood in France, where I started school early and made many friends who helped me feel at home in a new environment. Despite the changes, I never doubted my origins, which gave me a strong sense of identity and mental resilience.
My early years were split between the breathtaking mountains of Chamonix and the bustling streets of Paris. Eventually, we settled in Paris as a family, prioritizing my parents’ work and a more stable schooling experience. Those formative years, blending the charm of two very different places, shaped who I am today.
How did you get interested in winter sports, and downhill skiing in particular?
My passion for winter sports began with my father, who worked as a first-aider. He introduced me to skiing at a very young age, and it was love at first glide. Every winter, during our trips to Chamonix, I’d hit the slopes as much as possible, immersing myself in the thrill of the sport.
It wasn’t until I was 18 that I decided to pursue skiing more seriously. I enrolled in the National Ski Diploma to become a ski instructor, which required me to take an alpine ski racing test in slalom. That’s when I transitioned from skiing for fun to training seriously for competition. Before that, skiing was simply a hobby—one that, over time, grew into something much more.
Could you tell us a bit about your career in ski racing? What was the decisive moment that led you to take up this discipline seriously?
My journey into ski racing took a serious turn when I enrolled in mountain sports at university in Lyon. That’s when I began to train more rigorously and compete with the goal of becoming a ski instructor. During that time, I discovered slalom, and it quickly became a new passion. The precision and thrill of racing through those tight gates sparked something inside me.
The decisive moment came when I realized that ski racing wasn’t just about mastering the slopes—it was about challenging myself to be better, faster, and more precise with every turn. That’s when I made the shift from enjoying skiing as a hobby to dedicating myself to it fully. It wasn’t just about a diploma anymore; it was about embracing the adrenaline and the discipline of competitive skiing.
Before becoming a skier, did you have any other sporting interests or experiences that helped shape your sporting career?
Sports have always been a huge part of my life. Growing up, I dabbled in tennis, football, and even body-building, each sport teaching me something new about discipline, focus, and perseverance. All these experiences contributed to shaping my athletic mindset and work ethic.
It was clear to me from a young age that I couldn’t imagine a career outside of sports. Whether it was the team spirit of football, the precision of tennis, or the physical strength from body-building, each sport helped build the foundation for my ski racing career. They taught me the importance of pushing my limits, embracing challenges, and staying dedicated—values that I carry with me every time I hit the slopes.
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What is your training background and who or what inspired you in your pursuit of alpine skiing?
When I first began training, I knew I had the passion for skiing, but my technical skills weren’t yet where they needed to be. Over the three years leading up to my first slalom test, I experienced significant progress, and it was that growth that fueled my motivation to keep pushing forward. Each improvement was a reminder of how far I had come and helped solidify my decision to pursue alpine skiing seriously and to eventually become an alpine ski instructor.
Can you tell us about your family and how they have supported your sporting career?
My family has been my backbone throughout my sporting career. They’ve always supported my decisions, stood by me through the highs and lows, and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Even today, my father is by my side at the races, providing invaluable moral support. Their belief in me has been a constant source of strength, and I owe a lot of my determination and resilience to their unwavering encouragement.
Chencho Dorji
Was there a particular moment or event in your life that made you realise that you wanted to represent Bhutan in an international winter competition?
From the age of 18, I always had a deep desire to do something meaningful for my country. At first, my dream was to develop football in Bhutan, and I even aspired to become the coach of the national football team. However, over time, as I gained experience and training as an instructor, I started envisioning myself as the first athlete to represent Bhutan on the international stage at the Winter Olympics. I spoke to many people in the ski world, and their encouragement and support motivated me to pursue this dream, leading me to give everything I had to make it a reality.
As the first Bhutanese athlete to take part in the Asian Winter Games, what does this opportunity mean to you personally?
It means a lot to me personally to be able to represent Bhutan in the Asian Winter Games. It’s not just an honor, but also a recognition of all the hard work and dedication I’ve put into reaching this point. This journey has been transformative for me, providing me with a clear purpose that connects me to my roots. It also fills me with pride, knowing that I’m making my families and my country proud.
What do you think about being a pioneer of winter sports in Bhutan, and what message would you like to share with others who want to follow a similar path?
Being a pioneer of winter sports in Bhutan is deeply symbolic for me—it’s the realization of my dream to introduce something new to my home country. It’s an honor and a joyous experience to witness this historic moment, not only for Bhutan but for the world. My message to anyone who wants to follow a similar path is simple: never give up. Even when things get tough, always hold your head high, believe in your dreams, and take the necessary steps to make them come true. Nothing is impossible, even when it seems difficult—staying positive and persistent will always lead you forward.
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