In March 2019, Mr. Tandin and Mr. Kinley, who came to Japan from the Kingdom of Bhutan as judo students under the SEISA-BOC Sports Scholarship and completed four years of study at SEISA Dohto Universtity of Business Administration, celebrated their successful graduation ceremony on March 15th.
The crowdfunding project was launched with their hope that their families in Bhutan would be able to see firsthand how well they have grown. With the support of many people, we were able to reach our goal and their families were able to come to Japan.
Their families arrived at New Chitose Airport on March 13th. Mr. Tandin and Mr. Kinley were excited to see their family again after a long time. On the first day, Mr. Tandin's mother served home-cooked meals and they were able to spend time together as a family. The next day, they observed the last practice session for the 4th year students of SEISA Dohto University. Then, on March 15th, they celebrated the graduation ceremony. Their families were overflowing with joy to witness this major milestone in their lives as they graduated and to see them grow up strong in Japan.
During their time at the university, they overcame many difficulties and adversities and worked hard over the past four years with the support of their peers and supervisors. As proof of their commitment to both study and sport, the two students were presented with the Dean's Award at the graduation ceremony.
After returning to Bhutan, they will continue to spread judo while coaching younger students and training as judo practitioners themselves. We look forward to their future activities.
Mr. Tandin and Mr. Kinley's comments are as follows.
“The four years passed quickly. In our second year, there were online classes and periods when we could not practice as much as we wanted due to the COVID-19. However, we were able to overcome this with the support of the teachers and friends around us. Thank you very much. We will do our best after we return to Bhutan.”
The graduation ceremony and their interviews will be broadcast on BS Fuji's "JUDO," which has been covering them for some time.
(Scheduled to air on April 8th and 15th from 9:30 to 10:01 a.m.)
Please be sure to watch the program!
Thank you very much for your support for this crowdfunding project "For a scholarship student from Bhutan who participated in the World Judo Championships, we would like to invite his family in his home country to the graduation ceremony!"
