Winter vacation is a time when most of the students help their parents, attend tuition classes, and go on leisurely vacations. However, for a segment of students from across the country, it is an opportunity to engage in sports coaching. According to various federation officials, the number of students participating in such coaching classes has increased over the years.
Around 150 students from across the country attended the basketball coaching class in Thimphu.
From dribbling to passing and defence, students learned important basketball skills.
“First of all, we know that most youth are engaged on their phones, which makes them both mentally and physically weak. This basketball coaching makes them both physically and mentally strong. And I think we gain a lot of skills from this basketball coaching and I would recommend this to other kids as well,” said Jigme Dolkar Selsay, a student.
“This coaching helps us build skills and some may even take it as a career venture,” said Tandin Gyeltshen, another student.
Similarly, the volleyball and tennis coaching ended last week.
For now, badminton coaching, which has more than 150 participants is ongoing.
As for football, around 700 students are participating in the mini-dragon tournaments organised by the Bhutan Football Federation. This winter engagement programme is being conducted in four districts.
Officials from various federations said the number of participants has been increasing over the years.
The coaching classes are being carried out for different age categories to specialise their skills and train them.
“I joined the volleyball winter coaching since I was interested in volleyball. I also thought that it would benefit my health and spend my winter vacation productively,” said Jamphel Kuendhen, a student.
According to the coaches, it serves as a platform for the students to build up their skills and keep themselves engaged during the vacation.
“Firstly, it is not only about playing in the schools. During the vacation, the Bhutan Volleyball Federation conducts winter coaching mainly to let them learn about volleyball and its various skills. Further, it is to make them aware of the rules of volleyball. Youth can stay engaged and have a productive vacation by attending such coaching. Students from across the country come here to get the coaching. In a way, they can also make friends and have exposure,” said Tandin Wangchuk, Bhutan Volleyball Federation’s coach.
“So, for basic winter coaching, it is to foster the love for the sport of badminton and then we have the advanced training, it is for the development of skills to enhance those skills. So, likewise, intense training was conducted to form the pool of national players who will be selected for the national level. We also have the inter-club tournament which will be followed by the training for the para-athletes. They will serve as the talent identification from the pool of potential players,” said Bikash Gurung, Development Manager of Bhutan Badminton Federation.
Every year, the sports federations organise such coaching during summer and winter vacations.
Students pay a minimal fee to participate in such coaching classes.
Sonam Yuden
Edited by Tshering Zam
