Cricket is being introduced more systematically in monastic institutions through a new train-the-trainer programme in Thimphu. Some 50 monks and nuns from 22 monasteries and six nunneries across the country are taking part in the programme to learn basic coaching skills and train students in their respective institutions.
Six coaches led the participants through warm-up exercises, hand-eye coordination drills, and fun games designed to improve speed, agility, concentration, and focus.
Instead of sending coaches to individual monasteries, this year’s programme is training monks and nuns to become cricket coaches themselves, enabling them to conduct regular cricket sessions upon returning to their institutions.
“The main aim for this program is creating a sustainable coaching system within monastic communities. We have started last year but due to the lack of coaches in monastic communities, we could not run the programme well. So once we complete this programme, we will be able to have coaches in each individual monastic schools.” said Bhagawati Acharya, Media Officer/Coordinator, Bhutan Cricket Council Board.
For the participants, the programme is also an opportunity to learn a sport they can later introduce to children in their institutions.
“About fifty of them will go from here and conduct sessions in their respective monasteries. We are keeping the sessions short and teaching them the important aspects of cricket.” said Kinley Bidha, Coach, Bhutan Cricket Council Board.
“We are happy to get this opportunity to learn and play cricket. There are many young children in our nunneries who are eager to play different sports. So, we hope to learn the skills well here and teach them to the children when we return. We are also interested in playing cricket, and we are very happy to have this opportunity.” said Thinley Gyem, Bhutan Nuns Foundation.
The Bhutan Cricket Council Board will provide basic cricket equipment to participating institutions and help organise coaching sessions in their institutes.
“If there are no games or physical activities, it can affect our education as well as our health. Regular exercise is important for staying healthy. When we are healthy, we are better able to focus on our studies and achieve the plans and goals we set in our lives.” said Dorji Khandu, Deputy Secretary, Central Monastic Body.
With the newly trained coaches expected to continue cricket activities in their respective institutions, participants are also looking to organise tournaments between monasteries and nunneries next year.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
