In a late-season swoop, Indian Women’s League side Kickstart FC have secured the signing of Bhutanese footballer Sonam Choden from RTC Women’s FC. The short-term deal for Sonam who will play in the league until the end of next month also means she is set to become the first Bhutanese woman to play professionally in India.
22-year-old Sonam Choden also nicknamed ‘Chungku’ from Punakha joins the Karnataka-based club for the remainder of the season.
Her footballing career started as early as 14. She joined the Gelephu Football Academy in 2015 and played for Mandala Women’s FC. Before joining the present club, she played for RTC Women’s FC starting in 2023.
She represented the country at AFC championships, FIFA friendlies and SAFF women’s championships over the years netting some important goals for the country.
“I am very excited to start my professional football journey with Kickstart FC in Indian I-League. This is a very big start for me and I hope it will open doors for many Bhutanese women in football I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and grateful to everyone, especially to family, teammates and supporters here.”
Moreover, Sonam has 18 country appearances where she scored six goals. She has also won three Bhutan National Women’s League titles; two with RTC Women’s FC and another with BFF Academy FC. She was also named the Most Valuable Player for the 2023 Bhutan National Women’s League.
Sonam is the second Bhutanese woman to play in international leagues besides Deki Lhazom who made history by becoming the first female footballer in the country to sign for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad FC.
Upon her joining, she is set to bring creativity to Kickstart’s midfield as they push for a strong finish to the campaign. With six games remaining, Kickstart FC currently sit 7th in the league table out of eight clubs in the league.
Sonam Choden’s move to Kickstart FC marks another milestone in Bhutanese women’s football, inspiring aspiring players back home. As she prepares for her debut on Thursday against Sribhumi FC, all eyes will be on her to make an impact in the Indian Women’s League.
Jamyang Loday
Edited by Kipchu
