From the monastery’s courtyard to the cricket crease, they proved that spirituality and sports can go hand in hand. Some one hundred monks and nuns replaced prayer beads with bats and balls at the finals of the first-ever Inaugural Cricket Championship held in Thimphu.
The red robes replaced the usual white or colourful uniforms worn during a cricket match.
Robes fluttered as runs were scored and cheers echoed softly. Prayers paused, bats swung, and the ball flew high. It was a calm match, played in good spirits and smiles.
The championship marks Phase Two of the Cricket4All Programme, following the successful completion of Phase One.
The monks and nuns from four monasteries and one nunnery also took part in a five-day cricket training programme last year.
“Today, as we monks and nuns play the cricket tournament for the first time, we all had a very enjoyable experience. Every participant played well and gave their best. Through cricket, we can keep ourselves healthy and also build good cooperation and teamwork,” said Sonam Dorji, Phochu Dhumra Buddhist Monastic School, Punakha.
“First of all, I would like to thank the Central Monastic Body, and secondly, UNICEF, for giving us this opportunity, for which we are immensely grateful. Cricket is a very enjoyable sport that also promotes physical health, and through it, we have learned many new skills,” said Chimi T. Wangmo, Tenchen Choeling Gatshel Buddhist College for Nuns, Paro.
“I am very happy that we received such an opportunity. We hope to teach and encourage our younger ones to take up this sport as well. Unlike before, we now have the chance to showcase our talent and learn new skills, and we plan to continue playing in the future,” said Ugyen Wangchuk, Dechen Phodrang Monastery, Thimphu.
“I would like to thank the organisers for this opportunity. I didn’t expect it. We did well today,” said Yangchen Lhamo, Tenchen Choeling Gatshel Buddhist College for Nuns, Paro.
“If a person is physically unwell, it becomes difficult to maintain good mental health, which in turn affects their studies. Moreover, many monks and nuns lack confidence and face difficulties when speaking or performing in front of a crowd. Engaging in sports helps build their confidence while keeping them physically fit and mentally healthy,” said Karma Rangdrol, Tsugla Lopen, Central Monastic Body.
Dechen Phodrang Monastery won the final after defeating Phochu Dhumra Buddhist Monastic School, while Tenchen Choeling Gatshel Buddhist College for Nuns Team B defeated Team A.
The Cricket Council Board and UNICEF Bhutan organised the event to promote physical wellbeing, unity, and life skills among monks and nuns.
Today, the monks and nuns proved that on this pitch, joy was the ultimate winner.
Namgay Wangdi and Rinchen Tsheyang Pelmo (Intern)
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
