The Bhutan Volleyball Federation (BVF) introduced nine volleyball clubs yesterday in an attempt to revive the sport in the country. The formation of the first ever volleyball clubs in the country is expected to restore the popularity of volleyball.
This will also help the federation to form a volleyball national squad for the country.
For the first time in the volleyball federation’s history, the BVF affiliated nine volleyball clubs from Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa and Samtse. The club’s representatives and managers were awarded the affiliation certificates.
“If you look at the current situation, volleyball is losing youth appeal in Bhutan and it is no more the third most popular sport in the country. To address the declining popularity of volleyball sports in the country, the federation has identified the formation of the clubs as one of our primary strategies,” Pema Chewang, the President of BVF, said.
After the formal affiliation of the clubs, the federation will now organize the first ever National Volleyball Super League from next month. The pilot project will feature 8 teams from 3 districts.
The federation plans to conduct two key leagues in the country called Thimphu Volleyball League and National Volleyball League starting from October this year.
National Volleyball League will be the top domestic league with 6 clubs form 4 districts taking part in it. One Club each from Punakha, Trongsa and Samtse and top 3 clubs from the Thimphu Volleyball League will participate in the National Volleyball League.
Similarly, Thimphu Volleyball League will feature 6 clubs from Thimphu District. It will be played in a double round, home and away format in Thimphu. The top three teams from Thimphu Volleyball League will qualify for the National Volleyball League.
“We were very happy to hear this news and so far it was only football, basketball and other sports having different clubs. But now the volleyball federation has started with affiliating volleyball clubs and people are showing their interest,” Sonam Dorji of Druk Events Volleyball Club, said.
“With many new talents coming up, I think such programmes will further help in developing their talents,” Sangay Phuntsho, the manager of Rigzhung Volleyball Club, said.
However, considering the home and away format, club representatives also shared concerns with regard to the lack of home court for various teams. They also recommended conducting the leagues during vacation as many of their players consists of students.
Bhutan Volleyball Federation is one of the oldest sports federations in the country since its establishment in 1992 by the Bhutan Olympic Committee.
