Sometimes it only takes a picture to make all the difference. In Bhutan, a picture is helping change the fate of the Bhutan Baseball and Softball Association after a photograph of Bhutanese baseball players dressed in national attire, playing in front of the Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu went viral on social media. Garnering the attention and support of international sports organisations, the association is now planning to expand and introduce the sport in five more districts in Chhukha, Paro, Sarpang, Samtse and Wangdue Phodrang.
After Major League Baseball (MLB), a professional baseball organisation, shared the viral image on social media, the picture became an overnight sensation amassing 16 million views on Twitter alone. Prominent sports media outlets like Fox Sports, ESPN’s Sports Center, Jomboy Media, and others also shared the image.
The photo was taken as a part of a promotional event by the association’s co-founder Mathew DeSantis last month. It was then uploaded to the association’s social media accounts before gathering global attention.
The plan to introduce the sport in the districts came after the association began receiving significant support from international coaches, officials, as well as organisations and individuals providing assistance in terms of equipment, finances, and infrastructure.
“Our main objective is identifying more talents in youths for the sport. For the last two years, we only had the youth members from Thimphu, so we want to explore more in other districts to get more talented young boys and girls who can join the association and have a career pathway in becoming the national players,” said Sanjeevan Raj Gurung, an interim general secretary of the Bhutan Baseball and Softball Association.
He added that with the support from international organisations, the association hopes to solve the existing challenges such as inadequate equipment and field facilities.
According to the association, they are also in the process of sending the country’s first baseball player to join one of the four baseball teams playing in the Baseball United league in Dubai. And for this, the association has identified two baseball players from which one will be selected.
“I am very excited that we got the opportunity to play in one of the renowned clubs. And I feel like such opportunity can have a positive impact on youths,” said Bishnulal Chamlagi, a member of the association.
“Currently we have a very less number of youths playing the sport in the country, so through my selection for the Dubai teams, I want to let them know that they can have a future in this sport,” said Jigdrel Wangchuk, another member.
Although the sport is relatively new in the country, it strives to actively promote and organise training, tournaments, and competitions in the country.
The sport came to Bhutan in 2013 as a community association where it evolved from being played among friends to forming an association. Since then, the association has witnessed significant growth in the number of registered players.
Currently, the association has over eight thousand registered members in the country.
Tashi Dekar
Edited by Sonam Pem & Kipchu
