Her Royal Highness Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck inaugurated the multi sports hall in Khuruthang, Punakha yesterday.
The multi sports hall is the first indoor sports complex in Punakha dzongkhag. It was built at the cost of Nu 30 m which was jointly funded by the royal government and the Government of India.
“In the multi sports hall, we have different facilities like basketball, badminton, and table tennis. Initially, we even designed swimming pool but due to lack of fund, we had to curtail the work,” said the Project Manager of Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC), Kinley Tshering. “Besides, we also have gym space and if no one is going to come forward for gym, we can develop that space into table tennis hall.”
The Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between BOC and Punakha Sports Association, whereby the former hands over the responsibility of managing the indoor sports complex to the latter.
As part of the inauguration ceremony, an exhibition basketball match was played. Residents in Punakha are optimistic that the sports facility will encourage more youth and other sports enthusiasts to take up sports.
“We have been lacking indoor sports facilities like this. Especially youngsters prefer playing basketball and such indoor facility is suitable for basketball players,” said one of the residents, Tshering Dorji.
The construction of indoor sports complex was kick-started last year and completed just recently.
