Samdrup Jongkhar is set to transform into a hub of sporting energy as the highly anticipated Bhutan-India Friendship Football Tournament kicks off this Saturday. With just days to go, the town is buzzing with preparation for what has become one of the most prominent football events in eastern Bhutan.
This year’s edition brings together 16 teams—six from Bhutan and ten from across India—promising an intense knockout competition that blends sportsmanship with regional camaraderie. Top Bhutan Premier League clubs such as Paro FC, Thimphu City FC, Transport United, and Phuentsholing FC will take the field, alongside local favourites Samdrup Jongkhar FC and Dungsam Warriors.
In anticipation of the tournament, the Samdrup Jongkhar Sports Association’s stadium is undergoing a vibrant transformation. Fresh artwork depicting Their Majesties and the country’s iconic dzongs now adorns the venue, while upgraded facilities, including a newly arranged parking area, aim to enhance the spectator experience.
The event is organised by the Bhutan-India Friendship Association (BIFA) in Samdrup Jongkhar, with support from the Indian Embassy and the SD Group of Companies. According to BIFA General Secretary Tougay Choedup, the tournament is as much about community building as it is about football.
“People have become more reserved and less engaged socially,” he explained. “Through football, we want to create a space where individuals reconnect, share experiences, and form lasting bonds. This tournament is about strengthening friendships across borders.”
Generous prizes await the top teams, with the champions set to receive Nu 500,000. The runners-up will earn Nu 250,000 and the third-place finisher Nu 100,000. Organisers have also pledged to cover logistical and travel expenses for teams journeying from faraway districts and across the border, ensuring wide participation.
Beyond the competitive matches, the tournament is expected to offer significant benefits to the local community. Players will gain valuable exposure on a larger stage, while the influx of visitors is likely to boost business for hotels, eateries, and small vendors in the town.
With new goal nets in place and the final touches underway at the stadium, Samdrup Jongkhar is nearly ready for kickoff. Over the coming weeks, 16 teams will battle for a coveted place in the grand finale scheduled for the 7th of next month—bringing excitement, unity, and the spirit of friendship to the heart of the eastern border town.
