After years of delays, the Bhutan Olympic Committee’s long-awaited indoor multi-sports hall in Damphu town was inaugurated yesterday, marking a new chapter for sports development in Tsirang.
Construction of the facility began in 2020 and was originally slated for completion in May 2021. However, repeated delays by the initial contractor stalled progress, eventually leading to a legal dispute. The District Tender Committee terminated the first contract in early 2023, recovered over Nu 2 million in penalties, and re-awarded the project later that year. The new contractor successfully completed the hall in May this year, a month ahead of schedule.
A Modern Space for Sports
The one-storey complex is equipped with courts for basketball, badminton, and table tennis, alongside designated spaces for boxing and karate. To mark the inauguration, a friendly basketball match was held inside the new arena.
The Tsirang District Sports Association will manage the facility, with sports enthusiasts paying nominal fees to access the services.
“This project is not just an infrastructure; it is a promise of better sporting services and opportunities for our people,” said Sonam, Tsirang Dzongda. “With this inauguration, we take one more step towards progress and a stronger Bhutan-India relationship.”
Regional Cooperation and Investment
The Nu 45.47 million project was funded largely through India’s Project-Tied Assistance, which contributed Nu 34.3 million, while the Royal Government of Bhutan financed the remaining Nu 11 million.
“This marks a special milestone in our sports partnership,” said Ranjan R. Shenoy, First Secretary at the Embassy of India in Thimphu. “It is a significant step towards promoting sports, fitness, health, and well-being. Our grant assistance for sports in the 13th Five-Year Plan stands at Nu 867 million, which also includes an international standard cricket stadium in Thimphu.”
Commitment to Youth and Community
The Bhutan Olympic Committee, in collaboration with the Tsirang District Administration, oversaw the project. Project Manager Kinley Tshering emphasized the hall’s long-term role in community building:
“Let us commit ourselves to keeping it vibrant, inclusive, and well used. It represents an investment in our youths, our athletes, and our communities. It will serve as a vital space for training, competitions, and physical activity.”
The Committee expressed hope that the facility will nurture some of the country’s best indoor sports players in the years to come, while also offering a much-needed space for recreation and fitness in the district.
