In a bold step to transform physical height into sporting prowess, the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) has launched a nationwide initiative called Junior Giants of Bhutan. The programme, which targets tall youths from across the country, aims to identify, nurture, and train young Bhutanese athletes for future success in both national and international arenas.
Yesterday marked the start of a six-day Junior Giants Talent Development Camp in the capital, bringing together 20 selected youths aged between nine and 18. These participants, chosen through a mix of online and field-based registrations, come from diverse backgrounds—including both urban hubs and remote villages—united by one common trait: above-average height for their age group.
The camp offers intensive training across four key sports disciplines: athletics, basketball, archery, and volleyball. Conducted in collaboration with national sports federations, the sessions focus on technical coaching, physical development, and talent evaluation, ensuring that each young athlete receives tailored and high-quality mentorship.
“It is mainly to promote tall youth’s engagement towards sports,” said Sonam Tobgay, programme coordinator at the Bhutan Olympic Committee. “We are trying to encourage tall athletic youths to participate in this programme. We have specific height and age criteria—for instance, a nine-year-old must meet a minimum height requirement to qualify.”
The young participants are not just training—they’re dreaming big. “The reason I joined Junior Giants is to pursue athletics, and I am here looking forward to making friends and getting better in most of the sports,” said Kelson Ugyen Wangchuk, one of the trainees.
Another participant, Jigme Dorji Loday, echoed a growing sentiment among Bhutanese youth: a desire to see Bhutan represented beyond traditional sports. “I feel like Bhutan is really making an effort, trying to give our youth a chance to participate in global sports, not just our traditional sports like archery,” he said. “So, I thought it was a very good use of my time during summer vacation.”
For others like Sonam Yangzom, the experience has shifted perspectives on the role of sports in life. “I learned that sports are also important as same as education because they keep us mentally and physically stable. Moreover, we will get more opportunities such as scholarships and even have a chance to get on the National team,” she said.
According to the BOC, participants who exhibit exceptional potential may receive continued training and development support, with the possibility of representing Bhutan on international platforms. This initiative signals a strategic shift in the country’s approach to sports development, recognising physical attributes as a key asset in athletic performance.
With its eye on the global stage and roots firmly planted in grassroots development, Junior Giants of Bhutan is not just about height—it’s about building a taller vision for the future of Bhutanese sports.
