It is not always prayers and spiritual practices that instil discipline, leadership, and teamwork among monks and nuns. Sometimes, a little sport can go a long way, promoting not only physical well-being but also building life skills. In line with this, young monks of Dechen Phodrang Monastery in Thimphu are currently undergoing a five-day cricket training programme.
As Dechen Phodrang Monastery undergoes renovation, the monks have temporarily taken up residence at the old Nima High School campus.
Normally filled with the sounds of prayers and religious instruments, the school grounds now echo with laughter and cheers.
Crimson robes flutter like flags as some 250 young monks dash across the field, wielding bats and chasing balls.
For some, it’s a new experience; for others, playing cricket is a chance to discover hidden talents.
For this, the Bhutan Cricket Council Board, in collaboration with UNICEF and the Central Monastic Body, is initiating a programme to build leadership of adolescent monks and nuns through cricket.
“I had never played cricket before, so trying it today was really fun. We not only get to experience something new but also exercise. There’s a tournament coming up, and I feel very excited and encouraged to keep learning,” said Karma Tobden, a monk who is playing cricket for the first time.
“I am really thankful for this opportunity to learn and play cricket. It not only benefits our physical health but also gives us a chance to show our skills,” said Dorji Tshewang, a monk.
The programme will soon be rolled out in Phochu Dumra Lobda in Punakha, Samkhar Lhendrup Choeling in Trashigang, Thupten Choeling in Trongsa, and Tenchen Choeling Nunnery in Paro.
After a five-day training session, one monk will be selected to conduct training in their respective monastic schools and form a team that will compete in a cricket tournament in December.
“Monks don’t often get opportunities like this since they mainly focus on religious practices. This initiative is special because it promotes physical health while also helping them build teamwork and team bonding,” said Kencho Norbu, the programme coordinator with the Bhutan Cricket Council Board.
“Today’s sports programme connects well with spiritual education. Physical exercise is very important at a young age, and as we grow older, our religious practices also become a form of exercise. Further, monks, like other children, should equally benefit from such opportunities,” said Tshewang, the principal of the Dechen Phodrang Monastery in Thimphu.
The sight of monks playing cricket on an assembly ground may seem unusual. But as the day ended, besides discovering new skills, the young monks also got a new sense of possibility.
Kinley Bidha
Edited by Sangay Chezom
