Bhutan has taken a monumental step towards enhancing its sports infrastructure with the groundbreaking ceremony of the Rama Centre of Excellence for Cricket and Shooting. His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck graced the ceremony in Ramtokto, Thimphu today. Construction is set to begin in March next year.
The centre will be built on 39 acres of land, located three kilometres above Ramtokto in Thimphu.
It will feature a state-of-the-art 20,000-seat cricket stadium, a modern shooting range, and the necessary infrastructure to host international tournaments.
The Bhutan Cricket Council Board aims to make this facility a premier sports destination, attracting international events and athletes to Bhutan.
Bhutan Cricket Council Board’s CEO Damber Singh Gurung said,“Our primary goal is to provide top-quality facilities for our Bhutanese athletes. Additionally, we aim to make Bhutan a venue for international tournaments, such as those organised by the International Cricket Council and the Asian Cricket Council. Bhutan has the potential to host these events. We already have a ground in Gelephu, where we have begun hosting international tournaments.”
The project is being developed as part of the Bhutan-India Friendship Project in multiple phases.
For the first phase, the project has received Nu 667 M in funding. The estimated cost of the first phase is around Nu 900 M.
This phase will involve the construction of the cricket ground, shooting ranges, athlete hostels, and essential infrastructure. Work on the first phase is expected to take about four years.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sangay Chezom
