Badminton could soon gain popularity in schools across Tsirang as the Bhutan Badminton Federation trained sports instructors and teachers to introduce and promote the sport among students. The federation conducted a two-day training programme in the district over the weekend to strengthen badminton at the grassroots level.
Twenty school sports instructors and teachers from seven schools in Tsirang took part in the training programme.
Participants learnt the fundamentals of the sport, including coaching techniques, rules, technical knowledge, and practical skills required to teach beginners.
According to the Bhutan Badminton Federation, schools play a vital role in developing and promoting the sport among young people.
“Participants have learnt racket handling techniques, movement on the court, and different grips such as V-grip and thumb grip for the sport. They were also taught footwork techniques and simple methods to help beginners understand the basics more easily,” said Dorji Dorji, Head Coach, Bhutan Badminton Federation.
The Bhutan Badminton Federation will also support schools with badminton equipment as they begin introducing and promoting the sport after the training.
The head coach said that badminton is a safe sport that encourages healthy lifestyles and can be played by people of all ages.
“Even if the shuttlecock hits our body, the chances of injury are very low. Everyone can play the sport for fun. It is not necessary to have an indoor hall for the sport. It can be played outdoors with family members. I tell participants that the sport can be played by anyone, anywhere and at any time,” added Dorji Dorji, Head Coach, Bhutan Badminton Federation.
Once participants return to their respective schools, they are expected to encourage student participation to support and strengthen the sport at the school level.
“My students have been learning, and they are highly interested. But I don’t have enough skills myself as a beginner’s coach, I feel like I have a very important duty to coach children and then high school students,” said Dawa Tshering Sherpa, Teacher, Damphu Central School, Tsirang.
“I learnt badminton when we were first recruited as school sports instructors. However, due to a long gap, I had forgotten many aspects of the sport. Through this course, we learned a lot and refreshed our knowledge,” said Karma Lhaki, Sports Instructor, Rangthangling Primary School, Tsirang.
The federation plans to conduct a similar programme in Samtse as part of its continued efforts to develop badminton at the grassroots level.
The initiative is expected to encourage greater participation in the sport and help identify potential future national players.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sonam Pem
