Until now, Tsirang district has not been able to take part in a single football championship at the national level. But this is expected to change. Business stakeholders of Damphu in collaboration with the Tsirang Sports Association will send both men’s and women’s football clubs to the National Women’s League and Bhutan Premier League next year.
An open football tournament for women was organised in the district recently. The tournament created a platform for players to showcase their talents to be selected for the national-level tournament.
Taking part in the district-level tournament is one of the prerequisites to getting an invitation from the Bhutan Football Federation for any national-level football tournament.
“We have completed talks with the Bhutan Football Federation regarding the entry of both men’s and women’s teams from Tsirang for the 2023 National Women’s League and Bhutan Premier League. Our task is to train players and brief them about the ground rules since they will be playing at the national-level tournaments for the first time. For that, we have our coach as well,” said Uttam Basnet, Organiser of the Open Women Football Championship.
Six teams took part in the women’s football tournament this year. More than the trophies and individual prizes, footballers are excited to take part in the national-level tournaments for the first time next year.
“We are excited to take part in the National Women’s League if everything goes well. For now, we have to practice seriously because some teams from other districts have players from football clubs,” said Tika Kumari Monger, a footballer.
“Most players are talented and are playing well at the district level. But we need rigorous training for the national level tournaments. So, we will prepare well to face any opinions,” said Rinchen Lham, another footballer.
Tsirang Sports Association and relevant business stakeholders in Damphu will train the men’s team starting September this year for the Bhutan Premier League next year.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sonam Pem
