Although the number of Bhutanese taking part in the Open Badminton Championship in Phuentshogling dropped this year, the annual tournament is increasingly becoming popular amongst international players. The recent 3rd edition of the championship had 85 participants, with over 50 players from India, Nepal and Singapore.
62-year-old Raj Singh from India came from Pune, a city in India’s Maharashtra state, solely for this championship. It is Bhutan and his love for badminton that brought him to this tournament. The seasoned Indian veteran, a passionate badminton enthusiast, has won medals at both national and international levels over a career spanning more than 40 years.
“This is my journey in badminton. This is my first time in Bhutan. While in Kolkata playing the game, my friends told me about the tournament and to take part in it. So, I especially came for this. I was in England last week. I just stopped one day in India and then I came here.”
Having experienced Bhutan now, Raj plans to return and is considering organising a veteran badminton tournament here.
Like Raj, two tourists from Singapore, visiting Bhutan, stumbled upon the championship and decided to participate, making the most of their short stay.
“I came to know about this tournament through my Malaysian friends. They sent me brochures. Badminton has always been my first love. I want to travel the world with the racquet. Also, Bhutan is one place I always wanted to visit. So far, it has been a wonderful experience here, people are so friendly and I enjoyed it a lot,” said Kon Fai Foo, a participant from Singapore.
“Bhutan is known as the land of friendly people. People are known to be very happy, so it is good to come and see what makes your people happy. My friend here has already planned to come here next year and he will ask me to come along,” said Kok Seong NG, another participant from Singapore.
Organised by the Bhutan Badminton Federation, the tournament aims to promote the sport in Bhutan and give local players international exposure. Officials say it helps identify and develop talent while strengthening regional ties.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Kipchu
