Held for the first time after the pandemic, the open badminton championship in Phuentshogling saw an overwhelming number of participants. From less than 70 participants in the previous tournaments, there are more than 160 players taking part this year. The tournament that started yesterday has also attracted players from neighbouring states of India.
The Bhutan Badminton Federation is organising the open championship to provide a platform for players to showcase their skills and compete at a higher level.
Officials from the federation said that badminton is now gaining popularity in the country.
Bikash Gurung, the Development Manager with the Bhutan Badminton Federation said that the tournament is firstly to promote and develop a strong badminton culture in the Bhutanese community.
“Secondly, it is not just to promote the sport of badminton but also to enhance the friendship between Bhutan and India.”
He said the tournament is being held in Phuentshogling so that there can be maximum participation from the neighboring states of India.
This is the first time the federation has invited players from India.
Disha Dutta a participant from Assam started playing badminton since 2016. She used to play in Goa before she moved to her current residence in Assam.
“I still like and play the sport. I came to know about this open tournament here. So, I excitedly came here,” she said.
Barnali Sinha, who is also a participant from Assam says she is also very excited to take part in the tournament.
However, there are less than 30 women participants in the tournament. The youngest player is a 12-year-old girl.
The Bhutan Badminton Federation is planning to make the championship an annual event.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Sherub Dorji
