Dorjee Yangkee Earns Historic Selection for Asian Games
Aichi Nagoya 2026 in Taekwondo F-57kg
Bhutan’s rising Taekwondo star set for continental stage after years of disciplined training, international exposure, and consistent podium success
The Bhutan Olympic Committee has officially confirmed the selection of national Taekwondo athlete Dorjee Yangkee to represent Bhutan at the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, competing in the highly competitive Women’s Under 57kg (F-57kg) Kyorugi division.
This marks a significant milestone in Bhutan’s Taekwondo journey, as Dorjee steps onto one of Asia’s biggest sporting stages, carrying years of disciplined training, international experience, and a proven record of performance under pressure.
Born and raised in Thimphu, Dorjee began her Taekwondo journey at the age of five, inspired by her parents and guided in her early development by Coach Pem Choki. What started as foundational training gradually evolved into a decade-long commitment that shaped her into one of Bhutan’s most promising elite athletes.
Holding a 1st Dan Black Belt, Dorjee has steadily progressed through national and international levels, now training under Master Jusung Lee (Republic of Korea) as part of Bhutan’s elite national program.
As a current Bachelor’s student in Sports and Health Science at Royal Thimphu College, Dorjee maintains a demanding dual pathway that combines academics with high-performance sport.
Her weekly schedule reflects elite athlete discipline, training approximately 20 hours per week, with structured morning and evening sessions running from 6:00–7:00 AM and 6:00–8:00 PM.
This balance of education and elite sport has become a defining feature of her career, reinforcing her reputation as one of the most disciplined athletes in Bhutan’s national setup under the Bhutan Olympic Committee and Bhutan Taekwondo Federation system.
Dorjee’s selection is backed by a strong competitive record that highlights her steady rise in Asian Taekwondo circuits:
- Bronze Medalist at the Nepal International Tournament, marking her first international podium finish
- Gold Medalist and Best Female Player at the Korean Cup Tournament, a standout performance demonstrating technical dominance
- Participant at the 27th Asian Championship in Mongolia, where she gained valuable exposure against top-tier international athletes
- 11-time medalist across national and local competitions in Bhutan
Each milestone has contributed to her development into a confident and tactically mature fighter on the mat.
Competing in the F-57kg category, Dorjee is recognized for her sharp tactical approach in Kyorugi sparring. Her signature strength lies in her front kick variations, often used to control distance, disrupt rhythm, and create scoring opportunities under pressure. Alongside her sparring expertise, she also maintains a strong foundation in Poomsae, reflecting her overall technical balance as a Taekwondo practitioner.
Dorjee’s approach to competition is deeply rooted in the core values of Taekwondo: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. She often draws inspiration from elite global athletes, particularly Olympic champion Panipak Wongpattanakit, and embraces a mindset centered on resilience in high-pressure moments.
Her philosophy reflects her journey: “Taekwondo is a metaphor for life. Even when you are pushed into a corner, resilience and the refusal to quit are your greatest weapons.”
As Bhutan prepares for the continental stage, her inclusion signals a new generation of athletes emerging from structured national training systems, international coaching exposure, and academic sporting pathways. With months of preparation ahead, all eyes will now be on Dorjee as she carries Bhutan’s hopes into one of Asia’s most prestigious sporting arenas.