In just a few days, Samdrup Jongkhar town will come alive with football excitement as the Bhutan-India Friendship Football tournament draws closer. Preparations are underway for what is one of the biggest football tournaments in the eastern region. It will feature 16 teams, including top Bhutan Premier League clubs and 10 teams from India.
The Samdrup Jongkhar Sports Association’s stadium is getting a facelift with beautiful paintings of Their Majesties and iconic dzongs.
A proper parking space for vehicles has also been developed.
Bhutan-India Friendship Association in Samdrup Jongkhar is organising the tournament, which will kick off this Saturday.
Tougay Choedup, the General Secretary of BIFA said, “The tournament is being organised to strengthen friendship. At present, people tend to keep to themselves and do not interact much. By bringing everyone together through football, the event encourages social interaction, helps people get to know each other, and builds lasting friendships.”
The champions will receive a cash prize of Nu 500,000, while the second- and third-place teams will take home Nu 250,000 and Nu 100,000, respectively.
The organisers will also cover travel and logistics for teams coming from distant locations. The Indian Embassy and SD Group of Companies are sponsoring the tournament.
Tougay Choedup said, “The tournament will be played in a knockout format, featuring 16 teams, 10 from India and 6 from Bhutan. Teams include Paro FC, Thimphu City FC, Transport United and Phuentsholing FC, while Samdrup Jongkhar FC and Dewathang Warriors will represent Samdrup Jongkhar.”
Besides strengthening friendship, the tournament is also expected to provide a platform for local players to gain exposure and boost local businesses.
With new goal nets fixed and the stadium facelift nearing completion, the district is set to come alive as 16 teams compete for a spot in the finale scheduled for the 7th of next month.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
