In celebration of the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo, basketball fans in Gyalpozhing, Monggar, paid a heartfelt tribute through a special tournament. Inspired by His Majesty’s enduring passion for sports and his iconic tradition of playing in gho, the entire event was played in national dress, blending athletic spirit with cultural pride.
The daylong tournament began with the offering of zhabten to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. What followed was a rare and striking sight: players in gho and sneakers. It is an attire more familiar in archery and khuru, now taking over the basketball court, a space usually ruled by jerseys and shorts.
Four teams competed, each named after milestones in His Majesty’s life: 1955, 1972, 2006, and 2025, a symbolic gesture honouring His Majesty’s timeless contributions.
The Kurichhu Hydropower Plant, a landmark development initiated under the visionary leadership of His Majesty the Great Fourth, organised the commemorative tournament.
“We celebrated His Majesty the Fourth King’s birth anniversary through sports. Playing in gho helps preserve and promote our national dress. We always saw His Majesty play almost every sport in gho, and that inspired us to follow his footsteps,” said Sherab Dorji, General Manager, Kurichu Hydropower Plant.
Participants said the event deepened their appreciation for His Majesty’s legacy, where sports, discipline, identity, and national unity come together.
“This is my first time playing basketball in Gho. It was a wonderful experience, and I think this is the first of its kind. All the joy and excitement from today, we offer to our Great Fourth, along with prayers for His Majesty’s long life,” said Nima Dorji, a participant.
“Initially, some friends thought playing in gho wouldn’t be comfortable, but once we started, it felt completely natural. Through events like this, we can follow His Majesty’s example in preserving and promoting our national dress,” said Tshering Penjor, another participant.
The 60MW Kurichhu Hydropower Plant, Bhutan’s second major power plant after Chhukha, began construction in 1995. It was commissioned in 2001 and inaugurated in 2006 by His Majesty The King.
“In 24 years of operation, we have generated more than 8,000 megawatt hours of power and earned over Nu 12bn from domestic supply and export,” added Sherab Dorji, General Manager, Kurichu Hydropower Plant.
Bhutanese communities at home and abroad marked the historic day in their own meaningful ways. But this basketball tribute stood out. An unforgettable blend of culture and sport that reflects His Majesty the Great Fourth’s vision of harmony, well-being, and Gross National Happiness.
Namgyel Wangchuk, Monggar
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
