Thinley Namgay  

In what could be one of the most surprising performances by Drale Namgyel, the team defeated the much-experienced Tensung 3-1 sets in the winter volleyball final in Punakha yesterday.

In the best-of-five game, Drale Namgyel snatched three straight sets 25-15, 25-20, and 25-17 after losing the first set 20-25.

Drale Namgyel remained undefeated winning all four matches including three in the league round.

Drale Namgyel booked a berth in the final defeating Titan with three continuous sets 25-20, 25-15, and 25-12 in the semifinal yesterday.




Drale Namgyel’s captain, Karma Tashi Phuntsho, said, “The final game was challenging. We are glad to win the tournament. Most players in our team are family members. We also had good training.”

Karma Tashi Phuntsho said that Tensung was a strong team and played well. “Tensung has been one of the regular teams in most of the volleyball tournaments.”

Drale Namgyel was awarded a cash prize of Nu 50,000 with a trophy. Tensung received Nu 35,000 and a trophy.

Tensung defeated Risers in a tightly-contested semi-final yesterday.

Tensung’s game against Risers was competitive. Risers grabbed the first set 25-21, but Tensung equalised in the next set 30-28. Risers won the third set 25-17 and Tensung again won the following set 25-21. In the deciding game, Tensung won 15-10.




Eight teams took part in the two-day tournament organised by the Bhutan Volleyball Federation (BVBF) in collaboration with the Punakha Dzongkhag Sports Association.

Most teams were from Thimphu.  

BVBF’s coach, Tandin Wangchuk, said the tournament is aimed at encouraging volleyball enthusiasts.

Over the past few months, BVBF conducted the winter coaching programme for students, participated in the CAVA beach volleyball challenge in Bangladesh, and the sports instructors’ pre-service training, among others.