The Bhutanese national chess team showcased remarkable progress at the 45th Chess Olympiad held in Budapest from September 10 to 23. While the team did not clinch a medal, their performances marked a notable improvement in Bhutan’s standing on the global chess stage.
Competing against over 190 nations, Bhutan’s open team entered the Olympiad ranked 171st. Demonstrating resilience and strategic prowess, they concluded the tournament at an impressive 141st position, climbing 30 ranks. This upward trajectory reflects the team’s dedication and the effectiveness of their preparation.
Similarly, the women’s team made significant strides. Starting the competition at 164th, they advanced to 147th place, achieving a commendable 17-rank jump. This improvement underscores the growing strength and competitiveness of Bhutanese women in international chess.
The open team, consisting of Bhakta Bahadur Monger, Mahendra Gurung, Suk Raj Monger, and Lhundrup M. Dorji, amassed 18.5 points from 44 games over 11 rounds. With 18 wins and a single draw, both Suk Raj Monger and Lhundrup M. Dorji each contributed 6.5 points to the team’s success. In comparison, during the last Olympiad in India in 2022, Bhutan rose from a 183rd to a 172nd rank, making the current performance their best to date.
The women’s contingent, featuring Asha Huang Limboo, Namgay Dolma, Yeshey Lhaden, and Pema Yangsel Dorji, secured 13.5 points from their 44 games. Asha Huang Limboo led the charge with five points, followed by Pema Yangsel Dorji with four points, highlighting their pivotal roles in the team’s advancement.
A significant factor behind this progress has been the nine-month training regimen under the guidance of their Indian coach, Atanu Lahiri. The players and officials credit Lahiri’s expertise and dedication for the team’s enhanced performances.
Thinley Palden Dorji, the interim president of the Bhutan Chess Federation, praised the team’s efforts despite limited resources. “We did very well in the 45th Olympiad given the severe shortage of resources. We did not even have reserve players, and none of our players had the chance to rest. They had to play every game for 11 rounds, which is very difficult at this level, playing 3 to 5 hours per day without a break,” Dorji remarked. He added that the players’ rigorous preparation, dedicating four to six hours daily alongside their match commitments, was instrumental in their success.
Looking ahead, Dorji expressed optimism for future competitions. “We hope to achieve such a result in the 2026 Olympiad as per our Vision 2030 document,” he stated, emphasizing the federation’s commitment to sustained improvement.
Suk Raj Monger, a key member of the open team, lauded the team’s performance as the best in Bhutan’s recent history. “I am glad that I was able to defeat a 2064-rated player, being the first person from Bhutan to defeat such a high-rated opponent,” Monger said. He also shared his excitement about earning his first Candidate Master norm (CM norm), a milestone that brings him closer to a master-level title.
Reflecting on the Olympiad, Monger praised Budapest’s vibrant atmosphere and the camaraderie among players. “Hungary was a beautiful place, and all had a lot of fun together and enjoyed playing every match,” he added.
Bhutan’s achievements at the 45th Chess Olympiad not only signify their rising prowess in the chess world but also inspire a new generation of players in the Himalayan kingdom. As they continue to build on this momentum, the future looks promising for Bhutanese chess on the international stage.
