March 4, 2025
THIMPHU – The year 2024 was a defining moment for Bhutanese sports, marked by remarkable achievements, enhanced infrastructure, and growing international recognition.
The dedication and hard work of athletes, the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC), and various sports federations, associations, and dzongkhag sports associations helped elevate Bhutan’s sporting landscape.
A major highlight of the year was the appointment of His Royal Highness (HRH) Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, President of the BOC, as Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) for the 2024–28. His leadership continued to inspire Bhutanese athletes and sports administrators.
Bhutan also witnessed four significant developments: the groundbreaking ceremony of the world-class Rama Centre of Excellence for Cricket and Shooting in Thimphu, the inauguration of an international-standard cricket ground in Gelephu, the introduction of sports science, and the inception of a sports insurance scheme for athletes and coaches.
Athletes who made history
While all athletes put forth their best efforts, a few carved their names in history.
Lieutenant Jigme Palden Dorji became the first Bhutanese to summit Mount Everest, while bodybuilder Thinley Wangkay Dorji clinched gold at the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships in the Maldives.
Footballer Deki Lhazom secured the Golden Boot for being the highest goal scorer at the SAFF Women’s Championship, and Sangay Wangchuk of the Royal Bhutan Army won the Snowman Race. Additionally, Sangay Wangchuk and Kinzang Lhamo triumphed in the 10th Bhutan International Marathon, and compound archer Tandin Dorji Paro claimed a silver medal at the Bhutan International Grand Prix in Thimphu.
Hosting international competitions
Bhutan significantly increased its international presence by hosting over 10 international tournaments. These included the Jita-Kyoei International Judo Tournament, the Eighth South Asian Karate Championship, the T20 International Quadrangular Series, CAVA Beach Volleyball, the AFC Challenge League Group Stage, the AFC Women’s Champions League, the SAFF U-17 Football Championship, the Ninth SAFF U-17 Championship, and the Bhutan International Grand Prix.
These events not only bolstered Bhutanese sports but also generated revenue for local businesses, particularly in hospitality and tourism, while providing invaluable exposure to Bhutanese athletes.
International achievements
Bhutanese athletes excelled on various global platforms. Karatekas won 42 medals at the South Asian Karate Championship, while judokas secured two gold, two silver, and four bronze medals at the Jita-Kyoei International Judo Tournament in Thimphu.
Among all sports, football maintained its status as Bhutan’s most popular game. Paro FC stood out by winning the 2024 Bhutan Premier League, signing Japanese football star Keisuke Honda for the AFC Challenge League, and competing against major clubs like East Bengal FC, Nejmeh Sporting Club, and Bashundhara Kings FC.
Paro FC President Karma Jigme was honoured with the National Order of Merit (Silver) by His Majesty the King on the 117th National Day for his contributions to Bhutanese football, conservation, and entrepreneurship.
Several Bhutanese athletes represented the country in major international competitions. Para shooter Kinley Dem participated in the Changwon 2024 WSPS World Cup in South Korea and the Summer Paralympic Games in Paris. Boxer Migma Dorji competed in the Asian Boxing Confederation’s U-22 and Youth Boxing Championships in Kazakhstan, while Bhutanese chess players took part in the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary.
Bhutan was also represented at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris by swimmer Sangay Tenzin, runner Kinzang Lhamo, and recurve archer Lham Dorji. Additionally, bodybuilder Sonam Phuntsho competed at the 56th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship in Indonesia, finishing fourth in two categories.
Regionally, Bhutan participated in the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) Men’s Challenger Cup, the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship in Bangladesh, the ACC Women’s Premier Cup in Malaysia, the SAFF U-16 Football Championship, the SAFF U-20 Championship in Nepal, and the SAFF Senior Women’s Championship in Nepal.
At home, the 13th National Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship crowned Thinley Wangkay Dorji as Mr. Bhutan, while Kinzang Deki won the women’s model physique category.
A landmark moment for Bhutanese football came when national team player Dawa Tshering was signed by Delhi FC for the 2024–2025 I-League season, marking a significant step for Bhutanese footballers in professional leagues abroad.
2024 was a year of progress, setting the foundation for Bhutanese sports to reach new heights. With improved infrastructure, international exposure, and policy support, Bhutanese athletes and sports federations continue to build on this momentum, inspiring the nation and making their mark on the world stage.