Bhutan’s Recurve Archery Team Set to Compete
in 2025 Asia Cup Stage 2 in Singapore

PRESS RELEASE
Issued by: Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC)
Date: 4 June 2025

Bhutan’s national recurve archery team is poised to take on the continent’s best at the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup Stage 2 – Singapore World Ranking Event, to be held from 15 to 20 June 2025. The competition will feature 58 elite recurve archers representing 17 countries, in both individual and team events, offering a crucial opportunity for global ranking advancement and international recognition.

Bhutan will field four of its most accomplished recurve archers:

  • Kinley Tshering: One of Bhutan’s most decorated archers, Kinley is a 2019 South Asian Games triple medallist (Individual Silver, Mixed Team Silver, Team Bronze), and the 2025 Gyeyang Open Gold Medallist in the Foreign Participation Division.

  • Lam Dorji: Bhutan’s flag-bearer at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where he ranked 28th out of 64 in the qualification round — a personal best and a significant national achievement. Currently based in Thimphu, Bhutan, Lam Dorji will join the team directly in Singapore ahead of the tournament.

  • Sonam Penjor: Rising star and Bronze Medallist at the 2025 Gyeyang Open, Sonam has demonstrated maturity and technical strength on the international stage.

  • Karma Lhendup: Having participated in both the 2025 Bangkok Asia Cup and the Gyeyang Open, Karma has impressed with his consistency and competitive spirit, narrowly missing a medal but showing strong form, particularly against teammates and international opponents alike.

The Asia Cup Stage 2 will follow the standard World Archery Federation format:

  • 16 June – Qualification Round
  • 17 June – Individual Elimination Rounds
  • 18 June – Team Elimination Rounds
  • 20 June – Finals

The Bhutanese team will compete in both individual and team categories, aiming to build on their recent international momentum.

In preparation, three archers — Kinley Tshering, Sonam Penjor, and Karma Lhendup — along with head coach Sally Park (Park Youngsook) of South Korea, have been undergoing high-performance training since 28 May at the Gyeyang Asiad Archery Field in Incheon, Korea. The camp, conducted in collaboration with Korea’s Gyeyang professional team, offers access to state-of-the-art facilities and sparring opportunities with some of the world’s top-ranked archers.

“This experience has been incredibly enriching,” said Sonam Penjor. “Practicing alongside Korean athletes has sharpened both our technical and mental edge. We’re adapting quickly and improving daily.”

Coach Sally Park, who has worked extensively with Bhutan’s national program, emphasized a balanced and composed mindset:

“I always tell my archers before any competition—enjoy the game and do your best. This tournament is no different. We’re here to perform and grow.”

The team’s confidence is bolstered by strong performances at the 2025 Gyeyang Open, where Kinley Tshering secured 1st place and Sonam Penjor took 3rd, outperforming world-class contenders such as Japan’s Muto Hiroki (2nd place) and Russia’s Baldanov Arsalan (tied 3rd). Although Karma Lhendup did not podium, he delivered impressive scores in both individual and team matches — including a closely contested 6-4 match against Sonam Penjor and a solid performance against Russia in the team event.

“Persistence and preparation are the foundations of greatness,” said Kinley Tshering.

“We bring not only our skills but our determination to Asia Cup Stage 2. Let’s get up, shine, and give it everything.”

The Bhutanese squad is particularly looking forward to a symbolic face-off with Bangladesh, their long-standing South Asian rival. While Bangladesh outperformed Bhutan in gold count at the 2019 South Asian Games, Bhutan has since made significant strides — most notably with Lam Dorji’s 28th rank at the 2024 Paris Olympics, ahead of Bangladesh’s 45th-ranked representative.

The Asia Cup is a critical event in the World Archery international calendar, serving as a platform to boost world rankings and prepare for future continental and Olympic qualifiers. For Bhutan, this event represents not just competition, but a statement of its rising stature in Asian archery.

“We are expecting to win medals,” said Kinley Tshering. “Our team is strong, prepared, and hungry for success.”

Summary of Key Details

 

  • Event: 2025 Asia Cup Stage 2 – Singapore World Ranking Event
  • Dates: 15–20 June 2025
  • Venue: Singapore
  • Bhutanese Participants: Kinley Tshering, Lam Dorji, Sonam Penjor, Karma Lhendup
  • Head Coach: Sally Park (Park Youngsook), Korea
  • Current Training Location: Gyeyang Asiad Archery Field, Incheon, Korea
  • Events Entered: Individual and Team Recurve Competitions
  • Live Scores: www.ianseo.net

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