Coinciding with the International Olympic Day, the Bhutan Olympic Committee launched the Sports Science Initiative in Phuentshogling today. The initiative will be piloted in Phuentshogling Thromde and will then be taken to other districts in the future. It is to nurture a strong sporting culture in the country and develop future athletes. His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck graced the ceremony.
The Sports Science team is collecting data on the youths like information on body type, fitness level, genetic factors, dietary habits and their involvement in sports activities. This is aimed towards providing personalised recommendations for each student, guiding them towards sports they are naturally suited for, thereby improving their health and potential for athletic excellence.
“I along with a few friends from Sports Science Initiative came here to Phuentshogling one week before the Olympic Day and collected student’s data on fitness, health and sports. We then identify their capability and recommend what is best for them,” said Tsheltrim Yoezer, a member of the Sports Science Initiative, Bhutan Olympic Committee.
“Under the initiative of His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, we initiated the programme to incorporate and train our coaches in basic sports science, technology and innovations starting from bio-mechanics, physiotherapy and diet. So, we are trying to incorporate all these aspects into the training regimen so that it will help the coaches plan their schedule better for the athletes, teach them to eat better, use food as fuel and also take care of them so that they don’t get injured often,“ said Sonam Karma Tshering, Bhutan Olympic Committee.
Sports Science is a milestone project considering its potential to positively impact youth across the nation. The project will assess the level of fitness among all Bhutanese youth in schools. Accordingly, recommendations and strategic interventions will be made.
Officials said this would help develop clear and focused pathways for talent identification and development, which will lead to a vibrant sporting culture. It is also expected to develop talents from a young age.
More than a thousand students from schools in Phuentshogling Thromde took part in the celebration.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Kipchu
