In a landmark event for Bhutanese sports, His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, inaugurated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rama Centre of Excellence for Cricket and Shooting at Chang Rama in Thimphu yesterday.
Spanning an impressive 39 acres, the Rama Centre of Excellence is poised to become Bhutan’s premier facility for nurturing elite athletes in cricket and shooting. Designed to host international competitions, the center aims to elevate Bhutan’s presence on the global sports arena and foster regional collaboration.
The comprehensive complex will feature state-of-the-art cricket grounds, advanced shooting ranges, comfortable accommodations for athletes, a fully equipped gymnasium, and essential medical services. The development is planned in multiple phases, with the initial phase focusing on the core sports infrastructure expected to be completed within the next three to four years.
Funded through the Bhutan-India Friendship Project with an investment of Nu 667 million, the Rama Centre symbolizes the strengthening ties between Bhutan and India. The collaboration underscores a shared vision to position Bhutan as a regional hub for shooting and cricket, enhancing both nations’ sports landscapes.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, several cabinet ministers, Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Sudhakar Dalela, and numerous sports enthusiasts attended the ceremony, reflecting the broad support for the initiative. Ambassador Dalela highlighted the project’s significance, stating, “This center not only provides invaluable opportunities for Bhutanese youth but also reinforces the strong bilateral relations between our countries. Sports play a crucial role in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.”
President of Bhutan Cricket, Thinley Wangchuk Dorji, expressed optimism about the center’s impact, noting, “The Rama Centre of Excellence has the transformative potential to develop Bhutan’s future sports talents and establish our nation as an international destination for sports excellence.”
Local athletes and sports advocates welcomed the development, emphasizing the long-standing challenges posed by inadequate sports infrastructure. “Youth participation in sports has been limited by the lack of proper facilities,” remarked a local sports coach. “This world-class center will significantly enhance the quality of sports in Bhutan and inspire the next generation of athletes.”
Currently, Bhutan boasts only a handful of sports venues capable of hosting regional events. The Rama Centre of Excellence is set to change that, providing the necessary infrastructure to support and showcase Bhutan’s athletic prowess on a larger stage.
As construction begins, the Rama Centre stands as a beacon of Bhutan’s commitment to sports development and international cooperation, promising a brighter future for the country’s athletes and its standing in the global sports community.
