Punakha came alive with competitive spirit as students from across the country gathered for the 10th Winter Bhutan University Sports Federation (BUSF) Tournament, held from December 11 to 17, 2025. The week-long event brought together 355 student-athletes from ten colleges, showcasing talent and teamwork across football, basketball, volleyball, and archery.
The tournament was hosted by the College of Natural Resources and turned Punakha into a hub of youthful energy and sporting excellence. Among the standout performers were the Paro College of Education (PCE) and the Gedu College of Business Studies (GCBS), both of which delivered commanding performances throughout the competitions.
PCE stamped its authority on the volleyball court, clinching titles in both the men’s and women’s categories. GCBS, meanwhile, emerged victorious in women’s basketball, reinforcing its reputation as a strong contender in team sports.
Football provided some of the most dramatic moments of the tournament. The men’s final saw Sherubtse College face off against GCBS in a tightly contested match that ended level after regulation time. Sherubtse ultimately prevailed in a tense penalty shootout, earning the football crown amid loud cheers from supporters.
Precision and focus were on display in the archery competition, where Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC) outshot Gyalpozhing College of Information Technology (GCIT) in the final to secure the title.
Beyond medals and trophies, organizers emphasized the broader purpose of the BUSF tournament: fostering education through sports. The event aimed to encourage teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition while giving students valuable exposure beyond the classroom. Officials also revealed plans to explore international opportunities for outstanding athletes selected from the tournament, signaling a growing commitment to linking academic life with global sporting experiences.
As the final whistles blew and teams returned to their campuses, the 10th Winter BUSF Tournament left behind memories of fierce rivalry, new friendships, and a shared belief that sports remain a powerful force in shaping well-rounded graduates.
