Avash Ghimire and Sherub Dorji highlight on their recent AFC assignment

Thinley Namgay   

As Bhutan’s passion for sports continues to grow, particularly with recent events such as the AFC tournament in Thimphu, the absence of skilled commentators has become increasingly apparent.

With the sporting landscape evolving and Bhutanese athletes striving to excel on the international stage, people are calling for effective commentary. This, many say, will not only elevate the viewer experience but also contribute to the development of sports as a unifying force in the nation.

Commentators are conduits bridging the gap between thrilling live events and the fans watching from afar. They enhance the spectator experience, offering insights, context, and enthusiasm that make sports more engaging and accessible.

The AFC Challenge League Group Stage competition, held in Bhutan for the first time, between October 26 and November 1, saw Avash Ghimire, a freelance sports commentator from Nepal, do the commentary along with BBS’s  Editor Sherub Dorji.

Avash Ghimire, who has worked as a commentator for the Nepal Super League and Nepal’s World Cup qualifier matches, said that commenting on the AFC Challenge League was a challenging but rewarding experience. He began his journey as sports commentator in 2018.

Sherub Dorji said commentating for the League was a great learning experience. “While we are used to watching football and listening to professional commentators on TV, being the voice behind a competition is entirely different.”

The quality of football, the vibrant atmosphere in the stadium, and the engagement from online viewers, he said, created an elevated experience, testing his football knowledge. “The excitement and energy during an AFC competition was at another level.”

However, the League commentary was not Sherub Dorji’s first. He has previously commentated for the SAFF championship hosted in Bhutan. He also does commentary for cricket matches. Observing Avash Ghimire’s meticulous preparation for the tournament, Sherub Dorji said that co-commentating with Ghimire was a great learning experience.

Sherub Dorji said: “This is just the beginning; with more practice, our sport commentary will only grow stronger and more engaging.”

While applauding Bhutan Football Federation’s initiative to bring in trainers to support this goal, Sherub Dorji believes that to cultivate a culture of sports commentary in Bhutan, more opportunities are needed for skill development.

Talking about the potential of broadcast media in promoting sports and making games more lively, Avash Ghimire said: “There aren’t many sports commentators in Bhutan currently. But those who do it are really good. Sherub Dorji is an excellent example of a commentator who could soon work internationally.”

Considering that commentators are the bridge between players and fans, the two commentators agreed that it is a big task to fulfil. “Also, a commentator gets paid to talk about the game as it happens; it is fun,” Avash Ghimire said. “In Nepal, for example, youth aspire to become sports commentators and some have already succeeded.”