Bhutan Table Tennis Stars

By Victor Gurung

Conversations with Abinash Gurung, Utam Kafley, and Tandin Wangmo

Table tennis may seem like just a sport, but for these three remarkable athletes, it’s a lifeline, a teacher, and a source of profound transformation. Meet Abinash Gurung, Utam Kafley, and Tandin Wangmo—Bhutan’s national table tennis champions—whose journeys are nothing short of inspiring.

Abinash Gurung: Turning Struggles into Strength

At 18, Abinash Gurung’s table tennis journey is a testament to resilience. “It all started because my best friend invited me to the YDF Table Tennis Centre,” he recalls with a smile. From hesitant beginnings at age 12, he grew into a fierce competitor for Bhutan’s U19 National Team.

“Table tennis isn’t just about playing; it’s about thinking ahead. It taught me how to strategize, coordinate my mind and body, and stay focused,” says Abinash, whose introverted nature found a new voice through the sport.

But life hasn’t always been smooth. In Class 10, he failed his board exams, overwhelmed by the balance between practice and studies. His parents urged him to return to their village in Tsirang, but he begged to stay, even as he battled feelings of depression. “It was one of the hardest times in my life,” he admits, “but table tennis gave me a reason to keep going. It taught me that failure isn’t the end—it’s just part of the journey.”

Today, Abinash trains three times a week despite his school commitments. He dreams of reaching the level of his idol, Germany’s Timo Boll, and inspires others to see challenges as opportunities. “To all the youth out there: Don’t give up when things get tough. The hardest moments often lead to the greatest growth.”

Tandin Wangmo:

At 23, Tandin Wangmo isn’t just a table tennis player; she’s a symbol of perseverance and empowerment. While she completed her Class 12 studies at Jampel Higher Secondary School in Haa, she didn’t grow up there. Her journey into table tennis began at around 15 years of age, a relatively late start for most athletes. “I was curious about the game, and that curiosity soon turned into a deep love,” she says.

Tandin joined the Senior National Team at just 18, and over the past five years, she has become a role model for women in sports. “Table tennis has given me so much—coordination, focus, teamwork, and above all, confidence,” she shares. “It’s helped me find my voice and realize that as women, we can excel in anything we set our minds to.”

But her journey hasn’t been without sacrifices. Balancing personal responsibilities with rigorous training requires discipline and determination. “Sometimes, it’s tough, but I remind myself why I started. This sport isn’t just for me—it’s to inspire other young girls to dream big.”

Tandin emphasizes the importance of breaking barriers. “In Bhutan, women often hesitate to take up sports seriously. But I want to change that narrative. We are strong, capable, and deserving of every opportunity.”

She has a heartfelt message for the youth, especially young girls: “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Your dreams are valid. Step out, take that first step, and believe in yourself. The world needs your talent, your courage, and your voice.”

Utam Kafley: Balancing Ambition and Reality

For 18-year-old Utam Kafley, table tennis is a way of life. Growing up near a table tennis hall, his curiosity soon turned into an obsession. “I used to visit every day after school,” he says. “What started as fun became a passion—and eventually, my career.”

By age 10, Utam was already competing, and by 15, he was part of the U19 National Team. The sport taught him more than just technique. “Table tennis improved my reflexes and focus, but it also taught me time management and communication—skills that I use in my everyday life.”

Now in his first year of college at CNR, Utam faces new challenges. “It’s hard to maintain my form because I don’t have players at my level to compete with,” he explains. Yet he continues to train whenever possible, driven by his admiration for Chinese table tennis legend Ma Long.

Utam has a powerful message for young athletes: “Don’t let your environment limit your dreams. Even if resources are scarce, passion and dedication will take you far. The key is to show up every single day and give your best.”