From chasing dreams to becoming one of the mentors

The journey of coach from athlete

Every athlete from the Bhutan Amateur Athletics Federation is aware of Mr. Kinzang Dorji’s presence as the coach because he has trained and coached almost every athlete. His career as an athletics coach began in 2004, but the foundation was laid much earlier when once he was an aspiring athlete.

Growing up, athletics was not a popular sport, and athletes faced significant challenges, from lack of resources to insufficient support systems. Yet, his passion for the sport, inspired by his role model Haile Gebrselassie from Ethiopia, kept him motivated.

Haile, a world record holder and one of the greatest long-distance runners, served as a role model for him. Like him, he dreamt of becoming a renowned athlete. However, his journey as an athlete was fraught with challenges.

As an athlete, Kinzang had no proper grounds to train on, lacked appropriate shoes and attire, and most importantly, had no coach to guide them. These struggles shaped his perspective and solidified his perspective to make athletics better for future generations.

He wanted to ensure that aspiring athletes wouldn’t have to endure the same hardships. This led him to take up the role of an athletics coach, driven by a mission to uplift the sport and its athletes.

As a coach, his focus remains on nurturing both grassroots talents and elite athletes. The development of grassroots programs is critical in creating a strong foundation for athletics in Bhutan.

He believes that encouraging young talent at an early stage and providing them with the necessary resources and guidance can pave the way for long-term success. Equally important is the support and training of elite athletes who represent the nation on regional and global stages.

His plan and objectives as a coach are simple yet ambitious. It is to develop athletes and enhance their performance. He envisions seeing Bhutanese athletes compete and excel in the South Asia Region in the coming years.

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“My dream is to bring home medals and elevate Bhutan’s standing in athletics. However, the lack of regular athletes poses a significant challenge. Even the best long-term training plans can falter without consistent participation and commitment from athletes.”

The Bhutan Amateur Athletic Federation (BAAF) faces the difficulties like any other federation or association, in the task of promoting the sport and creating opportunities for athletes. To address this, he believes that athletes should be encouraged at a very early stage. Such as introducing structured programs and competitions at the grassroots level can spark interest and lay the groundwork for a vibrant athletics culture.

Registration is now open for the BIM 2025.

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“Athletics in Bhutan has immense potential, and with the right strategies and collective efforts, we can overcome the challenges we face today. To every aspiring athlete and coach out there, let’s work together to build a brighter future for athletics in Bhutan.”


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“Few of our athletes would be representing. We look forward to participating and claiming the title of this 11th BIM edition”

He emphasized that their training regimen reflects their commitment. They conduct regular training sessions every morning and evening, with no breaks during government holidays except on Sundays. Such a rigorous schedule ensures that the athletes are always prepared and focused on their goals.

As a dedicated coach and a technical member of the Bhutan International Marathon event, he equally shoulders the responsibilities and contributes to any technical support such as route tracking, route mapping, identifying aid stations, and identifying the feasibility and safety of the routes.

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“To my fellow Bhutanese, let’s make running a part of the way of life. Don’t stop at just one attempt—the first run may feel tough, but the second will always be better. Every year you participate, your time improves, your health strengthens, and your journey becomes more fulfilling. Every step you take counts toward a healthier, happier you. Let your heart guide you to the finish line because each run is a step closer to your best self. Together, let’s embrace the spirit of running. See you at BIM 2025!”

Looking ahead, he hopes to continue contributing to the growth of athletics in Bhutan. He envisions a future where Bhutanese athletes are recognized within the South Asia Region and beyond.

The Bhutan International Marathon returns on 1st March 2025—are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

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