The long-awaited Bhutan Olympic Committee’s multi-sports hall in Tsirang’s Damphu town was inaugurated yesterday. The construction of the indoor sports complex began in 2020 and was initially scheduled for completion in May 2021. However, the project was delayed after the initial contractor repeatedly missed deadlines.
The one-storey sports arena features courts for basketball, badminton, and table tennis. Among others, the hall also has spaces for boxing and karate enthusiasts.
As part of the inauguration, a friendly basketball match was also organised.
The Tsirang District Sports Association will manage the facility, and sports enthusiasts availing the services will have to pay nominal fees.
“This project is not just an infrastructure; it is a promise of better sporting services and opportunities for our people. With this inauguration, we take one more step towards progress and a stronger Bhutan-India relationship,” said Sonam, Tsirang Dzongda.
“It marks a special milestone in our sports partnership. And it is a significant step towards promoting sports, fitness, health, and well-being for the people of Tsirang. Our grant assistance in the 13th Five-Year Plan for sports is to the tune of Nu 867 M. This includes the construction of an international standard cricket stadium in Thimphu,” said Ranjan R. Shenoy, First Secretary, Embassy of India, Thimphu.
The indoor sports facility was constructed at a cost of Nu 45.47 M. Of this, the government of India funded Nu 34.3 M through the Project-Tied Assistance, while the government financed the remaining Nu 11 M.
The Bhutan Olympic Committee implemented the project in collaboration with the Tsirang District Administration.
“Let us commit ourselves to keeping it vibrant, inclusive and well used. May it become a hub of energy, teamwork, and inspiration to all who walk through this door. It represents an investment in our youths, our athletes and our communities. It will serve as a vital space for training and competitions, and physical activity,” said Kinley Tshering, Project Manager, Bhutan Olympic Committee.
The Bhutan Olympic Committee hopes the facility will help Tsirang produce some of the finest indoor sports players in the future.
The project deadline was extended three times before the District Tender Committee terminated the initial contract in February 2023 and ordered the contractor to refund over two million ngultrum. Dissatisfied with the decision, the contractor appealed, and the case went to the High Court.
After winning the case, the District Tender Committee re-awarded the contract in August last year. The new contractor completed the project in May this year, a month ahead of the deadline.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sonam Pem
