Bhutan’s Thimphu United delivered an impressive performance against two teams from India at the inaugural Indo-Bhutan Friendship Women’s Club Basketball Games held in Thimphu for the last three days. Thimphu United faced the Sikkim women’s state team in the last match yesterday, defeating the visitors by 16 points. They also defeated Siliguri’s Kaga Basketball Academy by 86 points on Friday.
The last match played at the YDF Indoor Basketball Court finished 69-53 in favour of Thimphu United.
Thimphu United’s Xumsel Chhoden, who scored 24 points, and Karma Selden, with 14 points and 5 rebounds shone in the final.
Sikkim women’s state team also put up an impressive performance, with star player Nima Doma Bhutia securing 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 steals.
“We have been practising for a few months already. Having teams such as Siliguri and Sikkim come here, makes us feel very happy and to have had the opportunity to play women’s basketball. We have not had much international opponents come here. We only have the local leagues. Having this as a part of the Indo-Bhutan friendship was a very good opportunity for us. We are very grateful,” said Namzay Kumutha, a player, Thimphu United.
“We learned a lot about Bhutanese culture and from the game we are learning a lot by playing. We are also improving and making friends here, including international friends. We even met the Bhutanese women’s team and had lunch together, which was fun,” said Nima Doma Bhutia, a player, Sikkim Women’s State Team, India.
On Friday, Thimphu United humbled Kaga Basketball Academy of West Bengal’s Siliguri city, 91-5. However, the friendly series have also added to the West Bengal outfit’s international exposure and competitiveness.
“Firstly we were confined in Siliguri, this is my first time travelling international to play. So this has served as a source of not only inspiration but also friendship, meeting the players from Thimphu itself and getting to know them is a really great experience,” said Nitika Chetteri, a player, Kaga Basketball Academy, Siliguri, India.
The Basketball Federation of Bhutan who organised the event said more national and international basketball events are being planned.
“The Indo-Bhutan Friendship Women’s Club Basketball is just the beginning, we are trying to initiate more programmes. For the national level, we are thinking about the Queen’s Cup and are still in conversation with sponsors. For the international level, we are putting together a proposal,” said Sonam Choden, programme officer at Basketball Federation of Bhutan.
The Indian Embassy and the Bhutan Olympic Committee supported the event. The friendly matches were organised to provide international match exposure to the Bhutanese basketball team and also strengthen ties with India.
Dechen Choden
Edited by Kipchu
