๐๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฒ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ฒ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ ๐ฒ๐๐ง ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐ฎ๐๐ค
๐๐ซ๐๐๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ง๐ฒ ๐๐๐ญ๐ฐ๐๐๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ก๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ข๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ข๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐๐
Thimphu, 3 July 2026: The Bhutan Paralympic Committee (BPC) and the Japanese Paralympic Committee (JPC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a formal ceremony held at Zhiwaling Ascent in Thimphu. The ceremony was graced by His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, whose gracious presence added profound significance to this historic milestone for the Paralympic Movement in Bhutan.
The Japanese delegation was led by Mr. Masaki Fujiwara, Executive Director, and Ms. Naoe Yasuoka, Director of the Japanese Paralympic Committee. The MoU was formally signed in the presence of His Royal Highness and other distinguished guests.
The ceremony was attended by the President of Special Olympics Bhutan, the Director General of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, the Secretary of the Ministry of Health, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, representatives of Selwa, and the General Secretary of the National Sports Federations. Their presence reflected the Royal Government’s strong commitment to advancing inclusion and supporting the growth of the Paralympic Movement in Bhutan.
The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a framework for long-term cooperation between the two National Paralympic Committees. The partnership will focus on athlete development and training, exchanges of coaches and technical expertise, sharing of knowledge and best practices, and mutual support in international competitions. It will also strengthen Bhutan’s preparations for the AichiโNagoya 2026 Asian Para Games and contribute to its long-term journey towards future Paralympic Games.
This partnership traces its origins to the 2025 IPC General Assembly in the Republic of Korea, where representatives of the two committees first met and discovered a shared visionโone founded on the belief that sport has the power to transform lives, restore confidence, and create opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary General of the Bhutan Paralympic Committee expressed sincere gratitude to His Royal Highness for gracing the occasion and to the Japanese Paralympic Committee for its friendship, trust, and commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. The signing ceremony concluded with the exchange of signed documents and presentation of commemorative souvenirs, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the people of Bhutan and Japan.
Under the guidance and patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan Paralympic Committee, the Paralympic Movement in Bhutan has witnessed remarkable growth. From just three athletes at its inception, the movement has expanded to more than twenty athletes competing across ten sports today. Her Royal Highness’s unwavering dedication to inclusion and empowerment has been instrumental in creating opportunities for persons with disabilities, fostering a sporting environment where every athlete is valued and empowered to represent Bhutan with pride on the international stage.
Building on this strong foundation, the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks the beginning of a new chapter of collaboration between the Bhutan Paralympic Committee and the Japanese Paralympic Committee. The partnership is expected to create meaningful opportunities for capacity building, athlete development, technical cooperation, and international exposure, further strengthening Bhutan’s Paralympic aspirations in the years to come.
The Bhutan Olympic Committee extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Bhutan Paralympic Committee and the Japanese Paralympic Committee on this landmark partnership. May this Memorandum of Understanding serve as the foundation for a lasting friendship and fruitful collaboration, empowering para-athletes, advancing excellence in sport, and promoting the shared values of inclusion, respect, and solidarity between the Kingdom of Bhutan and Japan.
The Bhutan Olympic Committee wishes both committees every success as they work together to inspire future generations and elevate the Paralympic Movement to even greater heights.