Bhutan will take part in the first-ever SAFF Futsal Championship, scheduled to be held in Thailand from January 14 to 26. A total of 14 men and 14 women will represent the country in the tournament. The players are undergoing intensive training as expectations build ahead of the historic tournament.
As the tournaments nears, both men and women players say they are prepared, confident, and excited to make their mark on the regional stage.
Nima Wangdi, captain of Bhutan Men’s National Futsal Team said, “This tournament is a big step for the future of futsal in Bhutan and we are very excited. About training sessions, we are giving our best in every training session. As a captain, I want to keep my teammates motivated and give them encouragement.”
Dechen Jigdrel, Bhutan Men’s National Futsal Team’s player said, “We have been preparing well, and we are hoping for a good result and overall a good experience.”
Sonam Lhamo, captain of Bhutan Women’s National Futsal Team said, “Many of us have played together before, so communication comes easily and we understand one another well. Because of this, our preparations have been going smoothly. As the first batch representing the country in this futsal tournament, we are optimistic about achieving positive results. Every player is capable, and we hope to return home with a trophy.”
Pema Kuenzang Choki, Bhutan Women’s National Futsal Team’s player said, “As we are participating in the SAFF Futsal Championship for the first time, we are hopeful of achieving good results. We are preparing thoroughly, following the coaches’ plans.”
The coaches have expressed confidence in their respective squads ahead of the historic championship. Setthakornchai Chuenta, the men’s coach from Thailand said the team is ready for the tournament.
Setthakornchai Chuenta, coach of Bhutan Men’s National Futsal Team said, “I’m very happy to be the head coach of the Bhutan futsal team, and the players have good basics and good tactics, and now they know their positions and the system for the tournament. I think they have a better future. It’s a good team for the tournament.”
Passang Tshering, coach of Bhutan Women’s National Futsal Team said, “There is a significant difference between futsal and football, but the playing style is quite similar. As this is our first time participating, we selected players who have been playing for clubs rather than through an open selection. With around seven countries taking part in the championship, we are hopeful of finishing at least among the top three.”
Bhutan will join neighbours Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, and Nepal in the inaugural tournament.
In the men’s category, Bhutan will open their campaign against Sri Lanka, followed by matches against Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, and Nepal.
In the women’s category, Bhutan will begin the tournament against Pakistan, before facing Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, India, and Nepal.
The tournament will be played in a league format with each team facing the other six only once. The team finishing at the top of the points table will be crowned champions.
Namgay Wangdi
