For the first time in its sporting history, Bhutan is hosting the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) Under-14 Tennis Championship at the National Tennis Centre in Thimphu. The week-long tournament, which runs from October 13 to 18, marks a significant milestone for the Bhutan Tennis Federation (BTF) and the country’s growing sports community.
Organized by the BTF, the championship has drawn 30 promising young players from Bhutan, India, Hong Kong (China), and Australia. The event not only showcases emerging regional talent but also provides Bhutanese players with valuable international exposure — an opportunity long awaited by local athletes and coaches alike.
BTF’s Tshering Namgay emphasized that the tournament’s primary goal is to nurture young talent and build confidence among Bhutanese players by giving them a taste of international competition. “This championship will help our players understand the standards and discipline required at higher levels,” he said.
In a distinctive move, the tournament is being played without umpires or ball boys — a rare practice in professional tennis. This setup encourages players to take full responsibility for line calls, scoring, and ball retrieval, helping them better understand the spirit and technical aspects of the game.
Local players such as Tenzin Dudu and Jigdrel Yeshey Thinley shared their enthusiasm and hopes to use the experience as a springboard for future success. Visiting player Angsla Debbarma from India expressed his delight at competing in Bhutan, praising the hospitality and scenic beauty of the host nation.
Beyond the courts, the tournament is also bringing economic benefits to Thimphu. According to national coach Yonten Gyeltshen, the event has boosted local businesses, particularly hotels and restaurants, as players and families from abroad explore the capital.
The opening ceremony was graced by the Minister for Education and Skills Development, Yeezang De Thapa, who commended the Bhutan Tennis Federation for its efforts to promote youth sports and international engagement.
As the young athletes rally for victory over the next few days, Bhutan’s debut on the ATF circuit represents more than just a tennis milestone — it signals the country’s growing presence on the regional sporting map.
