In a landmark move aimed at transforming Bhutan into a regional sporting powerhouse, the government has allocated a staggering Nu 1 billion to the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) for sports development in the 13th Five-Year Plan. This allocation marks a significant leap from the Nu 294 million budgeted in the previous plan, signaling a robust commitment to bolstering the nation’s sporting landscape.
Tshering Zangmo, senior programme officer at BOC, emphasized that the substantial funds will primarily be utilized to elevate Bhutan’s sports infrastructure to international standards. Currently, only a handful of facilities, such as the aquatic center in Thimphu and the cricket ground in Gelephu, meet regional tournament requirements. The ambitious plan includes the construction of a state-of-the-art international cricket stadium in Debsi, Thimphu, costing Nu 667M, alongside an indoor sports arena in Changrama.
Highlighting another pivotal initiative, Zangmo outlined the establishment of a National Sports Science Centre at Changlimithang in Thimphu. This center is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing athlete performance, preventing injuries, and promoting overall health and wellness.
“Investments are carefully aligned with the potential of sports,” Zangmo stated, underlining the BOC’s strategy to not only enhance infrastructure but also invest in human resources and athlete development. Football, cricket, archery, and taekwondo are identified as particularly promising disciplines in Bhutan.
The government’s augmented budget allocation underscores its recognition of sports within the social sector, alongside health and education. This elevation in status reflects a broader commitment to nurturing holistic development through physical activity and competitive sports.
In addition to domestic funding, the BOC receives critical support from international bodies such as the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia. This collaboration underscores Bhutan’s integration into the global sporting community and its aspirations to excel on regional and international stages.
Despite these ambitious plans, challenges persist. Athletes and sports enthusiasts have identified various issues, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies that address grassroots participation, training facilities, and ongoing support systems.
As Bhutan marches forward with its ambitious sports development agenda, the government’s historic investment promises not only to transform infrastructure but also to foster a new generation of athletes capable of competing on the global stage. The trajectory set by this unprecedented funding paves the way for Bhutan to emerge as a beacon of sporting excellence in the region and beyond.
