The 2024 Australian Open tennis championship wraps up this weekend in Melbourne. Although tennis is a big deal worldwide, it is not very popular among young Bhutanese, especially students. This lack of interest is even more obvious in remote areas. To ensure all tennis fans have a fair shot, the Bhutan Tennis Federation is organising a weeklong tennis coaching programme for students in Tsirang.
The day begins with a brief warm-up session before around 25 students from the district dive into the winter tennis coaching.
A coach from the Bhutan Tennis Federation, along with a volunteer from the district, guides the students.
These young tennis enthusiasts are getting to grips with handling the ball and racket, mastering basic skills like the forehand and backhand, and perfecting the ball smash.
They are also getting hands-on experience with game situations. For many of them, it is their first time encountering the sport.
“I am participating for the first time. I am enjoying the sport. It is very useful for us,” said Namgay Lhamo, a participant.
“I have learnt about skills to play tennis. After the day’s coaching, I play the sport with my friend,” said Tshering Penjor, also a participant.
“I enjoyed it a lot and learnt more from the coaching. I stay in Thimphu, so once I go back, I will continue playing the sport,” said Kinga Lhamo, another participant.
The coach said the district has potential tennis players and coaching like this will go a long way in producing skilful players for the nation.
“I could find a lot of talents here. So, soon they have a very good opportunity to take part in the international tournaments if they fulfil the selection criteria in Thimphu,” said Yoenten Gyeltshen, the coach of the Bhutan Tennis Federation.
To keep their tennis skills alive, a female volunteer from the district will continue to provide coaching for tennis enthusiasts.
She has basic tennis skills acquired from coaching sessions provided by the Bhutan Tennis Federation in the past.
“We feel regretful when we see the well-furnished tennis court sitting idle. However, from now on, we’ll make use of the facility by offering tennis training sessions twice during the weekends. The youth here are eager to learn the sport, but they’ve lacked opportunities until now,” said Norbu Chezom, a coordinator.
The weeklong coaching will conclude tomorrow.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sherub Dorji
