For the first time, NBA players brought with them world-class skills, towering presence, and championship experience to Bhutan. They left behind a belief that dreams can start on any court, anywhere, even on the slopes of the Himalayas. The NBA or National Basketball Association is the premier professional basketball league in North America. Formed in 1949, the NBA is widely considered the top professional basketball league globally.
As part of the Hoops for Happiness initiative, four NBA stars visited Bhutan to inspire and coach youths.
The visit brought an energy never seen before in Bhutanese basketball. From high-fives to heartfelt encouragement, the players connected with young athletes both on and off the court.
More than 150 youths attended the skill sessions at the Jungshina Multipurpose Complex in Thimphu, where many met NBA players in person for the first time.
Among them was 26-year-old AJ Green of the Milwaukee Bucks, who joined the NBA in 2022 and recently played in the NBA playoffs.
“As soon as we got off the plane and visited a local school, the welcome we received and the love they showed us were incredible. I did not expect that, and it was tremendous. Ever since then, the hospitality has been amazing. This is a trip I’ll never forget. Bhutan is an incredible, beautiful place, and I might just have to come back.”
Despite their fame and towering heights, it was the humility of the players that made the biggest impression.
“My message to all the youth players here is to dream big. There’s no reason you can’t play in the NBA like one of us. Just continue to work hard, dream big, believe in yourself, and anything can happen,” added AJ Green.
The highlight was an exhibition match where Bhutan’s national and A-League players teamed up with the NBA stars, played in front of members of the Royal Family and hundreds of cheering fans at Jungshina Multipurpose Complex.
Justin Holiday, a 2015 NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors and now playing in Italy, also shared his thoughts.
“The people here have shown us nothing but love and care, and that means the world to me. My plan in coming here was to experience this beautiful country and see what you have to offer. The Lord Jesus Christ has blessed me by allowing me to visit a place I had never heard of before.”
Beyond the games, the Bhutan Olympic Committee discussed future collaborations with the NBA, from sending Bhutanese players abroad to grassroots coaching programmes, and even positioning Bhutan as a high-altitude training destination.
“The significance of bringing these players here to Bhutan is to plant the seed of a dream and love for basketball in our Bhutanese children. The children who get to interact with these NBA stars, meeting the players and playing basketball with them, will be inspired. We hope that one day Bhutanese kids will dream big, work hard, and develop new skills to play in the NBA in the future,” said Sonam Namgyal, Assistant Programme Officer, Bhutan Olympic Committee.
For the young athletes, this was more than basketball; it was about believing in their own potential.
The NBA stars, including Mason Plumlee and Jonathan Isaac, ended their visit with a mountain hike, reflecting on the bonds built and dreams sparked.
The Bhutan Olympic Committee said Hoops for Happiness will now be an annual event to develop skills and give Bhutan’s youth greater opportunity.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sonam Pem
