After a five-year gap, tennis is making a comeback in Samtse. The Bhutan Tennis Federation in collaboration with the Samtse District Sports Association, has resumed the mini tennis program, allowing young enthusiasts to reconnect with the sport. Nearly 50 children are participating in the programme, rekindling hopes for the growth of tennis in the region.
This tennis court at the Royal Bhutan Army compound in Samtse has become a hub of excitement as nearly 50 young players participate in the revival of the mini-tennis programme.
Once an annual event, it had not been conducted for five years due to the pandemic and lack of facilities. Now, it is finally back, much to the delight of tennis enthusiasts.
“Such programmes are very beneficial for young players like us. We could not learn anything during the five-year gap, but now that the programme is back, we are hopeful we will improve in tennis,” said Tshering Dorji, a participant.
Participants say one of the biggest challenges to tennis development in Samtse is the lack of dedicated courts and proper coaching facilities.
“I am very interested in tennis but we don’t have places where we can learn. This programme is helping us, and I am happy that I can finally play. My dream is to become a national player,” said Thinley Selden, another participant.
The Bhutan Tennis Federation said that the lack of trained coaches is another factor slowing the sport’s growth in Bhutan. Currently, the federation has only four coaches, all based in Thimphu and Phuentshogling.
Suraj Gurung, the General Secretary for tennis sports in Samtse, stated that the district previously had two tennis courts, one at SMCL and another at Samtse College but both have been dismantled and repurposed.
He mentioned that despite repeated requests to the Bhutan Tennis Federation for a new court, budget constraints have prevented its construction. Meanwhile, the District Sports Association is actively seeking potential donors to fund the development of a tennis court in Samtse.
The mini-tennis programme in Samtse will conclude this Friday. Promising young players will be considered for advanced training and future national representation. While challenges remain, the initiative has reignited hope for tennis in Samtse.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
