Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and it  holds a special place in the heart of Bhutanese people. Deeply rooted in tradition, Bhutanese archery is distinguished by its long shooting distance and traditional designed targets, and the vibrant victory songs sung after every successful hit makes the sport both unique.

Chimi Wangmo, a 18 year old girl and a student of Chundu Armed Force Public School, Haa  had been primarily focused on her academics since being impaired  and had never considered engaging in sports. However, when she was introduced to para-sports, she found herself drawn to archery. The bow and arrow connected her deeply to the culture and with every arrow she drew and every bow she pulled, she felt like she had leaped from a small pond into a ocean of opportunity.

She recalled her journey to para-archery as she sat on the chair after giving a strong performance in Druk Chundu Stage-I competition in Women’s Individual competition. 

She comes from a very humble family and is the eldest of three sisters. The youngest is in Grade 1 and lives with their parents in Shaba, Paro, while the middle sister studies in Dagana.

“Haa is a cold place, isn’t it?” the Assistant Programme Officer asked.

She nodded, rubbing her hands as the cold winter air touched her skin.

Continuing her story, she shared, “My father serves in the armed forces, and my mother is a homemaker. They are very supportive and always encourage me to focus on my studies while training in archery, so I can build a path in para-sports as well.”

She added softly, “They are my role models and thanks to their support that I have come this far with this strong mentality.”

As shared by my parents, when I was eight months old, I developed a tumor on my back that was later identified as cancerous. Doctors recommended immediate surgery to remove it, and I was referred to a hospital in Kolkata for the operation. However, as life unfolds differently for everyone, the surgery affected my nerves, which resulted in a deformity in my legs.

 I was unable to walk properly and had to drag my legs, I developed a wound that frequently became infected. Although regular hospital visits helped  manage and clean the wound, the infection worsened over time. At the age of 14, the condition became severe and ultimately led to the amputation of my legs. It was a devastating time in my life, and I felt as though I had lost everything. The physical and emotional pain deeply affected me for a very long time. 

Later, I was referred to Gidakom Hospital, where I was fitted with a prosthetic leg. Learning to walk again was extremely difficult and new. I struggled with pain, and even though I could walk, it was exhausting and uncomfortable and  I would get tired within minute .

During this time, I was sometimes mocked by young children, which was hurtful. However, the adults in my community, especially my parents were always supportive and encouraging. My primary school years at Damthang Primary School were challenging, but over time I adapted. Today, those experiences have made me stronger, and I am able to face challenges with confidence and resilience.

Chimi Wangmo has come a long way from doubt to determination, she has been training under Coach Sherab and shoots at a distance of 20 meters. 

The Bhutan Archery Federation hosted an event , Druk Chundu Archery Stage- I which solely focused on the junior archers. In the event, Tshewang Lhamo and Chimi Wangmo, para-archers participated in the event making their first debut in a competition. Both the archers showcased a powerful skill and determination. The arrows were on target and it was rear to see the arrow hitting outside the yellow range.

Chimi Wangmo had an exceptional skill and composure while comeptiting amongst the junior athletes. On 22nd Janaury, 2026 she competed in the Women’s single event and secured the third position and on 23rd January, 2026 she took part in the mixed team event and with a strong trio, her team secured the first position.  The potential she had was immense and showed that she holds a brighter future.