Bhutan’s national women’s football team left for India this morning to compete in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026. The Dragon Girls will open their campaign against Nepal on Monday. Six nations will take part in the tournament.
A 23-member squad will represent Bhutan in the upcoming SAFF Women’s Championship.
The team began its preparations on the 14th of this month. Ahead of the camp, most players featured in the BoB Bhutan Women’s National League with their respective clubs.
Among the squad is 19-year-old Preya Ghalley from Samtse, one of the youngest players selected.
Although this is her first call-up to the senior national team, she has represented Bhutan across U-14 to U-20 levels over the past five years. She currently plays for Thimphu City Women FC in the ongoing league.
“I feel truly honoured and grateful to be selected for the national team of Bhutan. It is a proud moment for me, my family, coaches, and everyone who has supported me through this journey. I would like to work even harder, stay disciplined, and continue improving myself both as a player and as a person.”
Another debut is 22-year-old Puja Rai from Tsirang. She brings five years of club experience to the pitch and currently plays for Transport United Ladies FC.
“I am recently selected in the national team, so I am very proud and happy. We are giving our best, and we will come back with good results.”
The team will be led by 29-year-old Pema Choden Tshering from Paro. She has been part of the national setup since 2019 and has captained the side since 2020. The forward plays for Thimphu City Women FC.
“We are leaving for Goa at least five days ahead of the actual start of the tournament. We are hoping to acclimatise to the hot weather there. We have also scheduled a friendly match, which will help us prepare better for the South Asian Championship. Since the tournament comes only once every two years, we want to give our best and hopefully deliver positive results. We also hope to get support from home.”
Head coach Kim Taein from South Korea expressed confidence in the squad ahead of the regional tournament.
“I want to make history by winning the championship trophy. Compared to the past, the team has improved, and we have a big chance.”
Bhutan has been placed in Group A alongside Nepal and Sri Lanka. Group B comprises India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. Each team will play the others in their group stage matches.
Bhutan will face Sri Lanka in its second group match on Thursday. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.
In the knockout stage, the Group A winner will face the Group B runner-up, while the Group B winner will meet the Group A runner-up in the semifinals scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The final will be played between the two winners on the 3rd of next month.
Karma Wangdi
