The Bhutan Volleyball Federation today joined the global volleyball community in celebrating the inaugural World Volleyball Day at the Changlimithang Volleyball Arena in Thimphu. To mark the occasion, the federation launched the 2025 School Volley Cup. The tournament aims at promoting youth participation and grassroots development in the sport. The three-day event has drawn around 550 students from 15 districts.
35 boys’ teams and 11 girls’ teams are participating in the first-ever School Volleyball Cup in Thimphu.
In the boys’ category, the 35 teams are grouped into eight pools, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the knockout stage.
The tournament follows a league-cum-knockout format and will conclude on Wednesday.
Yeshi Dorji, who is studying in Sonamthang Central School in Zhemgang said, “Opportunities like this help us build our confidence and improve our skills. We also get to make new friends and enjoy sharing ideas with them.”
Yeshi Tsheltrim, who is studying in Punakha Central School said, “Sports like this keep us physically active, so we don’t need separate exercises. More importantly, we learn teamwork and communication, and build friendships with students from different districts.”
Tandin Dorji, who is studying in Lungtenphu Middle Secondary School, Thimphu said, “We lost our first match, but we are working hard to win the second and qualify as one of the top two teams. Events like this keep youth engaged in sports, help us stay physically fit, and steer us away from drugs and alcohol.”
In the girls’ category, 11 teams from Thimphu, Haa, Gasa, Paro, and Dagana are competing. The teams have been divided into four groups. The girls’ matches are scheduled to begin tomorrow.
According to the Bhutan Volleyball Federation, the tournament aims to identify young talents and select potential players for the national squad. The federation also shared that the event will be held annually, starting next year.
The World Volleyball Day commemorates the first public demonstration of the sport by William G. Morgan, the inventor of volleyball on 7 July in 1895.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Kipchu
