Rising Above Limits, One Smash at a Time
Sapuna Subba
In the quiet valleys of Dagana, a small town tucked away in Bhutan, lives a young woman with an unshakable spirit. Her name is Sapuna Subba, and while she may be small in stature, her dreams and determination are anything but.
Today, Sapuna is a proud college student and a para-badminton athlete representing Bhutan. But the road that brought her here wasn’t easy—it was filled with doubt, discrimination, and moments of deep loneliness. What kept her going? A sport she once knew nothing about… and the courage to never give up.
Can you tell us how your journey in para-sports started?
To be honest, I didn’t know anything about sports until I was in high school. It all began in 2021 when Coach Dorji came to our school—Gesarling Central School—and introduced us to para-badminton. He explained everything so clearly, and for the first time, I felt like, “Maybe this is something I can try.” That moment sparked something in me. I started playing, little by little, and eventually it became a big part of my life.
What was your life like before sports?
It was hard, especially during middle school. I didn’t really have friends. I mostly kept to myself. Some people would make fun of me because of my height or body posture. They would call me names, laugh at me—and sometimes it really hurt. But I didn’t let that stop me. I kept studying, kept moving forward. Deep down, I believed I was meant for more.
Do you still face that kind of negativity today?
Yes, I do. Even now, people make comments. Some ask my age and then laugh, saying, “You’re so small!” Others stare or giggle when they see me. But I’ve grown stronger. I don’t let it affect me like it used to. In fact, I feel proud because even with a disability, I’ve managed to reach college and play sports at a national level. I feel like I’m doing better than some of the people who used to mock me.
How has para-sports changed your life?
It changed everything. The biggest blessing was getting a scholarship through Bhutan Olympic Committee—that’s how I got into college. It’s still the happiest moment of my life. If not for para-sports, I would probably be back in my village with very few options. Sports gave me direction, confidence, and a future to look forward to.
What are your hopes for the future?
I just want to graduate and find a job I enjoy. But no matter where life takes me, I’ll keep playing sports. It’s become a part of who I am. I also want to tell other young people with disabilities: Don’t give up. There are so many opportunities in life—you just have to believe in yourself and keep going.
