Haa dzongkhag administration is aiming towards promoting the district as a sporting hub. With the completion of a two-storey indoor multi-sports hall, the district expects to attract sports enthusiasts from across the country. The promotion of sports is also expected to improve the local economy.
Unlike other dzongkhags, sports facilities in Haa are all clustered in one area. Currently, there is a football ground with artificial turf, a futsal court and an indoor archery range. And once complete, the multi-sports facility will have badminton, basketball and tennis among others.
District administration officials said given the strategic location and its moderate climate during summer, it would encourage people to organize coaching camps and school sports meet.
“In winter most of the sporting activities are organized in Punakha, Sarbang and Phuntshogling. Now in consultation with the education ministry, we would like to organize the summer sports meet amongst schools in Haa. Similarly, we would also request BOC to organize their summer coaching camps in Haa. This would benefit hotels and shops and Haaps in general,” said Phurba Wangdi, the Haa Dzongrab.
Meanwhile, the futsal court and football ground are already attracting and benefiting the local sports enthusiasts.
“We can see the development in sporting facilities here in the district. Firstly, it was just futsal and now we have artificial turf for football. Similarly, archery ground is nearby. Soon we will have a multi-sport facility. We are very excited. The elderlies like us can also play badminton and keep ourselves fit,” said Taugay, a resident in Haa Throm.
“Earlier we used to play in school grounds. Now with such a facility, we are able to play football every evening. We are much obliged,” said Sherab Dorji.
The multi-sports hall worth over Nu 30 M is expected to be complete by the end of this year. The pandemic delayed the construction.
Namgay Wangchuk, Haa
