𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐦

Kinley Dem is an accomplished para shooter who is currently up for her fourth international para-shooting event. With a background that includes three previous international participations, Kinley discovered para-shooting in 2017 when it was first introduced in Bhutan. Since then, she has dedicated herself to rigorous training and active participation, and now she graciously shares her inspiring journey in the world of para-shooting.

Q. If you could tell us briefly what does para shooting means?
A. Para shooting is a sport that caters to individuals with physical disabilities, such as those who use wheelchairs, have leg injuries, or experience paralysis in their lower body. Some People like me who sit on wheelchairs and shoot are known as para shooters.
Q. When did you heard about Para Shooting and when did you initially started to participate?
A. In Bhutan, the journey began in 2017 when I resided with my sister, caring for her children. One day, my sister approached me with exciting news about a new initiative. Given that my sister is a shooter herself, my interest in the sport had blossomed alongside hers. This marked the beginning of my journey into the world of shooting.

Q.When you participate in para shooting, how are you supported by family, friends and relatives?
A. I am fortunate to have unwavering support from my family, particularly my mother and sister, who provide me with invaluable assistance, boost my motivation, and offer me emotional support. Their encouragement and belief in me propel me forward on my journey. Furthermore, my friends and relatives also stand by me, expressing their joy in my initiatives and acknowledging the importance of staying active for our well-being. They readily lend a helping hand whenever needed, reinforcing the significance of community and camaraderie in our lives.

Q. How do you do your training?

A. Shooting does not require as much agility as some other sports do. Due to the paralysis in my lower body, I must remain actively engaged and practice regularly to maintain my skills. Training sessions are rigorous, beginning at 9:30 am and concluding at 12:30 pm, then resuming at 2:00 pm until 4:30 pm. In the mornings, I commence with stretching exercises before moving on to shooting practice. Following a break for lunch, my focus remains solely on honing my shooting abilities.

Q. How do your feelings compare between your first participation on the international stage and now, considering that this is your fourth time participating?
A. In 2018, I participated in the Asian Para Games, my first international event. It was a new and eye-opening experience for me, as I had never traveled abroad before. Despite feeling nervous and awkward during the shooting competition, I learned a lot and saw gradual improvement. Recently, in Korea, I participated again and beat my own high score, showing progress in my performance. Looking forward to my next game, I am hopeful for a successful outcome as I continue to strive for excellence in my sport.

Q. What are your obstacles competing with people from other country?
A. One of the major obstacles I face is the lack of other para shooters in our country. To be honest, I am not worried when I compete domestically because there is no one to challenge me here. However, when I have to compete with athletes from different nations, it does worry me and affects my performance and scores. If there were other para shooters in our country who could compete with me or participate in games, we could potentially produce the best shooters, and some individuals might even surpass my abilities. One significant issue is that I have only received training here in Bhutan, and the training facilities and resources are not sufficient. For competitions like the World Cup, where participants from various nations gather, it would be beneficial if the relevant organizations could send us for training in India for a couple of weeks or bring in coaches from other countries. Such opportunities could lead to significant improvements in our performance and overall outcomes.

Q. What is your biggest dream in your life?

A. As a dedicated athlete, my ultimate dream is to achieve the Gold Medal. I am committed to rigorous training and will strive relentlessly to reach my goal of winning the Gold Medal.

Message:

I would encourage individuals, especially the youth, to refrain from idling away their time at home. Engaging in sports can pave the way for a promising career. Not only does it contribute to maintaining good health, but in our relatively small nation, it provides an avenue to represent our country on an international stage, where many remain unaware of our existence. The opportunity to represent our nation is a moment of immense pride. Choosing sports as a career path can yield numerous benefits in life. My earnest message is directed towards para individuals: instead of passively remaining at home, there exist opportunities for people like us. I urge all of you to step forward and partake in such activities. While the journey may pose challenges, including obstacles during travel and a constant need for assistance, the rewards are truly worthwhile. The support from the Paralympic community is invaluable.