Deki Lhazom, the dynamic striker for Bhutan’s national senior women’s football team, emerged as the standout star of the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship held in Nepal, clinching the prestigious Golden Boot award as the tournament’s top scorer. Her remarkable achievement concluded the championship on October 30, bringing immense pride to her nation.
Lhazom, a first-year student at Royal Thimphu College, netted an impressive eight goals throughout the competition, setting a new benchmark for Bhutanese football. Her stellar performance not only earned her the highest individual accolade but also established her as the first Bhutanese player to achieve such a feat in an international SAFF competition. She surpassed Nepal’s Rekha Poudel, who scored seven goals, and Bangladesh’s Tohura Khatun, who tallied five.
Throughout the tournament, Bhutan played four intense matches, with Lhazom being named Player of the Match twice—in victories against Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Her ability to score five goals in a single match marked another historic milestone, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication on the field.
In addition to Lhazom’s individual success, Team Bhutan was honored with the Fair Play award, recognizing their professionalism and sportsmanship both on and off the pitch. Despite facing significant challenges, including injuries to key players and departures for commitments in Australia, the team demonstrated unwavering resilience and commitment. Balancing rigorous training with academic responsibilities, the Bhutanese women footballers exemplified true sportsmanship and teamwork.
However, the celebrations were tinged with concern as Lhazom and her teammates were unable to attend the award ceremony due to safety reasons. Reflecting on her journey, Lhazom expressed a mix of pride and bittersweet emotions. “Winning the highest goal scorer award, even though we didn’t make it to the final, is a mix of pride and bittersweetness. This SAFF journey was challenging but also rewarding,” she stated.
Lhazom highlighted key moments that defined her championship run, including scoring against the defending champions Bangladesh and achieving her first-ever hat trick. “Our wins against the Maldives and Sri Lanka, and the draw with Nepal, were all steps forward. This award is a reminder that even though we fell short of our ultimate goal, the journey was worth every moment,” she added.
The tournament itself was marked by intense competition, culminating in a thrilling final where Bangladesh triumphed over host Nepal with a 2-1 victory. Bangladeshi midfielder Ritu Porna Chakma was named the Most Valuable Player, while Rupna Chakma secured the Best Goalkeeper award.
Amidst the competitive spirit, the semifinals between Nepal and India on October 27 became a focal point of controversy. Bhutanese referee Choki Om faced severe backlash from Nepali fans following a disallowed goal, leading to a one-hour suspension of the match as frustrated spectators threw objects onto the field. The situation escalated when a Nepali player received a red card after a confrontation with the referee, prompting further protests and the deployment of additional security personnel.
In response to the incident, Lhazom emphasized the importance of respecting refereeing decisions to maintain the integrity of the game. “As players and fans, we may not always agree with every decision made by the referee. However, I firmly believe that respecting the referee’s authority is essential for the integrity of the game,” she remarked. She further advocated for addressing refereeing concerns through formal channels post-match to preserve the spirit of fair play.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) addressed the disruptions in an official statement on October 28, expressing concern over the events. “The AIFF will write to SAFF regarding the incidents and will take it up at the appropriate platform. The India U-19 women’s team faced a similar situation in a recent SAFF tournament, and the AIFF feels such incidents are detrimental to the development of football in the region,” the statement read.
Deki Lhazom’s outstanding performance and Team Bhutan’s commendable achievements have set a new standard for women’s football in Bhutan. As the nation celebrates her success, the future looks promising for Bhutanese women footballers, inspired by their dedication, skill, and resilience on the international stage.
