Thimphu Open Table Tennis Championship
“Sports is for all, from small children to the elderly. It creates recreation for everyone, and most importantly, any kind of sport should lead to happiness,” said Dr. Tanaka with a wide smile.
The Thimphu Open Table Tennis Championship held at the Table Tennis Federation was an inclusive event that brought together persons with disabilities and able-bodied players to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bhutan through the spirit of table tennis.
The event was graced by Education Minister Yeezang D Thapa along with other distinguished dignitaries. The atmosphere was vibrant, with the hall filled with children and participants of all ages enthusiastically waiting to showcase their skills at the tables.
The championship commenced with an opening address by Dr. Toshihiro Tanaka, who emphasized the importance of para-sports, inclusivity, and the longstanding friendship between Japan and Bhutan.
Dr. Toshihiro Tanaka, born in 1960 in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, has a strong background in promoting inclusion through para-sports, particularly through case studies in para-table tennis for persons with intellectual disabilities. In the field of table tennis, he served as the Peruvian national team coach from 1983 to 1985. He later worked as the Deputy Resident Representative at UNDP in Bhutan and also served as the national table tennis coach in Bhutan from 2005 to 2008. Additionally, he coached national-level players with intellectual disabilities in Japan.
An accomplished veteran player himself, Dr. Tanaka remains active in top-level veteran table tennis competitions and has won several gold, silver, and bronze medals in various international championships. His cheerful personality and inspiring speech energized the atmosphere of the event.
The championship featured an exhibition match between Mr. Leki Dorji, currently ranked Bhutan’s number one table tennis player, and Mr. Katsuyoshi Yagi,he is classified in Class 7 and is currently world ranked second in his category and ranked top one is Asia.
Mr. Katsuyoshi Yagi, born in 1990 in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, is a Paralympian who represented Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Born with a congenital condition resulting in shorter forearms and limited wrist mobility, Mr. Yagi began playing table tennis in junior high school. He later transitioned into para-table tennis while playing as a member of the Aichi University club team. Competing under various classification categories, he is classified in Class 7.
He has secured multiple gold and silver medals in international para-table tennis championships.
Throughout the championship, events including Women’s Singles, Lucky Doubles, Veterans’ Singles, and the Para-Table Tennis Singles League were conducted.
Para-athletes actively participated in the tournament, their enthusiasm and determination evident as they seized the opportunity to showcase their talents. Among the participants were Mr. Rinzin Norbu, Mr. Bikash Subba, Mr. Sangay Nidup, Mr. Dorji Lethro, and Mr. Birendra Gurung.
In the Para-Table Tennis Singles League, Mr. Birendra Gurung claimed the championship title, while Mr. Rinzin Norbu secured second place, marking a proud and inspiring moment for Bhutan’s growing para-sports community.
Dr. Tanaka firmly believes that sports should be fun, inclusive, and accessible to everyone as they ultimately lead to happiness and well-being.
He emphasized that beyond competition and medals, sports play a vital role in maintaining physical health, mental strength, and social connection.
As the Thimphu Open Table Tennis Championship concluded on 10th February 2026, the program continued with a focused objective to promote inclusive training.
To further strengthen inclusivity, an inclusive training camp was conducted where para-table tennis athletes participated. The camp provided structured training sessions where participants trained together, learned from one another, and built mutual respect through sport.
A key highlight of the camp was the opportunity for para-athletes to compete in friendly matches. These matches were not only competitive but also fostered bonding, understanding, and confidence among the participants. The friendly tournament created a supportive environment where ability was celebrated, barriers were broken, and the true spirit of inclusive sport was demonstrated.
The training camp successfully reinforced the message that table tennis is for everyone, regardless of physical ability and that sport can serve as a powerful platform for unity and happiness.
