Bhutan Marks Proud Participation and Medal Success at APDSF Games in Chennai

The Bhutanese delegation delivered an inspiring performance at the Asian Pacific Down Syndrome Federation (APDSF) Games 2026, held at Nehru Stadium in Chennai, India, on 29–30 January 2026. The international event brought together athletes with Down syndrome from ten countries across the Asia Pacific region, celebrating ability, sportsmanship, and inclusion through sport.

The APDSF Games are a unique international sporting event exclusively for athletes with Down syndrome. They provide a vital platform for self-advocates to showcase their skills, build confidence, and connect with peers from different countries. The presence of families, coaches, volunteers, and partner organizations further strengthened the spirit of unity and inclusion that defined the Games.

Athletes competed in a wide range of disciplines, including athletics, shot put, softball throw, skating, swimming, and bocce. Bhutan’s delegation delivered an outstanding medal-winning performance across track and field and bocce events. All four Bhutanese athletes who represented the country are students of Draktsho Vocational Training Centre for Special Children and Youth, Kanglung, Trashigang, highlighting the institution’s significant role in empowering persons with disabilities through education, training, and sports.

Medal winners:

• Kinga Rabsel, 21 years old, from Trashigang
Won two gold medals, Bocce (Duel category) and 50-metre Walk Race (Junior category).

• Namgay Wangmo, 23 years old, from Trashigang
Secured one gold medal in the 50-metre Run (Master category) and one silver medal in the Softball Throw (Master category).

• Dupten Pem Wangmo, 23 years old, from Trashiyangtse
Earned a silver medal in Bocce (Duel category) and a bronze medal in the 100-metre Walk Race (Master category).

• Jamyang Dorji, 21 years old, from Trashigang
Won two silver medals, 25-metre Run and Shot Put, both in the Senior category.

The participation of athletes from across the Asia Pacific region underscored the importance of providing equal opportunities in sports for persons with Down syndrome. The presence of families, coaches, volunteers, and partner organizations further strengthened the spirit of unity, encouragement, and inclusion throughout the Games.

Beyond sports, the APDSF Games 2026 coincided with the APDSF Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the Medical Committee Meeting. These gatherings provided an important platform for collaboration among professionals, advocates, and organizations working toward common goals of inclusion, empowerment, and improved support systems for persons with Down syndrome across the region.

The Bhutanese delegation’s participation was made possible through the generous support of Helvetas Country Office, Save the Children Bhutan, and DH, along with contributions from Drukfit, Opening Your Heart to Bhutan, and several individual sponsors. Their continued support played a crucial role in enabling Bhutan’s athletes to compete internationally and to represent the country with pride and dignity.

The APDSF Games 2026 stood as more than a sporting event—it was a celebration of talent, teamwork, and triumph, and a meaningful step forward toward a more inclusive and empowered Asia Pacific community.

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