Bhutan Paralympic Committee and Japanese Paralympic Committee Sign Memorandum of Understanding
Ceremony graced by His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee
Thimphu, 3rd July 2026: The Bhutan Paralympic Committee (BPC) and the Japanese Paralympic Committee (JPC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at a formal ceremony held at Zhiwaling Ascent, Thimphu. The ceremony was graced by His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, whose gracious presence lent profound honour and 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 signed in the presence of His Royal Highness and distinguished guests.
The ceremony was also attended by the Secretaries of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, whose presence reflected the Royal Government’s strong support for the Paralympic Movement and the advancement of inclusion in Bhutan. Also in attendance were representatives of Civil Society Organizations, including the Disabled People’s Organization Bhutan (DPO), Draktsho, and Selwa, along with the National Sports Federations, the BPC’s valued local partners in promoting inclusion and the Paralympic Movement across the country.
The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a framework for cooperation between the two National Paralympic Committees, encompassing athlete development and training, exchange of coaches and technical expertise, sharing of knowledge and best practices, and mutual support in international competitions, including Bhutan’s preparation for the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games and the road towards future Paralympic Games.
The partnership between the BPC and the JPC traces its origins to the 2025 IPC General Assembly in the Republic of Korea, where the two committees first met and recognized a shared vision, one grounded in the belief that sport has the power to transform lives, restore confidence, and open doors of opportunity for persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary General of the Bhutan Paralympic Committee expressed deep gratitude to His Royal Highness for gracing the occasion, and to the Japanese Paralympic Committee for its friendship and commitment. The signing was followed by an exchange of documents, presentation of souvenirs, and cultural performances, celebrating the warm ties between the peoples of Bhutan and Japan.
Under the guidance and patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan Paralympic Committee, the BPC and the Paralympic Movement in Bhutan have grown remarkably, from three athletes at its inception to more than twenty athletes across ten sports today. Her Royal Highness’s unwavering commitment to inclusion has been the driving force behind this journey, inspiring a nation where every ability is celebrated and every athlete is given the opportunity to represent Bhutan with pride on the world stage. Building on this foundation, the Bhutan Paralympic Committee looks forward to the collaboration between the two Paralympic Committees through this MoU, which promises to open new avenues of growth for Bhutanese para-athletes in the years ahead.
The Bhutan Paralympic Committee extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Japanese Paralympic Committee, the Bhutan Olympic Committee and to all partners and well-wishers whose support continues to strengthen the Paralympic Movement in Bhutan.
