Bhutan is set to host the CAVA Beach Volleyball Tour at Changlimithang in Thimphu from Friday. Teams from seven countries will compete in the three-day regional tournament. Bhutan and Bangladesh held their pre-match press conference today, while representatives from the remaining five countries will meet the media tomorrow.
Preparations are in full swing at Changlimithang as Bhutan readies to host the CAVA Beach Volleyball Tour from 4th to 6th over the weekend.
At the pre-match press conference today, the coaches and captains of Bhutan and Bangladesh expressed confidence in their teams and shared their preparations and expectations for the tournament.
Teams from Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Nepal and Uzbekistan will compete in the three-day tournament.
Bhutan will field three teams each in the men’s and women’s categories, with 12 players representing the country. The players have been training for about two months under two coaches.
The coaches say hosting the tournament at home will give Bhutanese players, coaches and officials valuable international exposure. They also hope the event will encourage more young people to take up beach volleyball.
“Organising the CAVA Beach Volleyball tournament will help us further develop the sport in the country. It will also provide valuable exposure for our coaches and players, while allowing us to learn how to host international competitions. More importantly, it will inspire and motivate our youth to take up the sport,” said Tandin Wangchuk, Head Coach, Men’s Team.
“They have been preparing very hard, almost preparing for two months. Mostly, we focus on fitness, technical skills, serving, attacking, defence, teamwork and understanding the opponents,” said Pema Dorji, Head Coach, Women’s Team.
Bhutan men’s team captain Tshering Drukpa said the team’s biggest strength is its determination and commitment to representing the country.
“The strength that we will be relying on is willpower and determination. We do not have the height compared to other nations, but we have a heart, a heart that we are willing to be honoured to the nation. So, I believe that is the strength we have.”
The Bangladesh men’s team captain said this will be their first international beach volleyball competition. Although the players have experience competing in indoor volleyball, the team says it is aiming to win the tournament. Bangladesh will field two men’s teams and one women’s team in the competition.
Meanwhile, Changlimithang has been transformed into a beach volleyball venue, with courts and lighting installed for the tournament. This is the second time Bhutan is hosting the CAVA Beach Volleyball Tour.
Karma Wangdi/Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Sonam Pem
