Thinley Namgay 

Rain or shine, residents of Haa can now play sports; thanks to the new multi-sports hall and astroturf football ground.

The advisor to the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) and former minister Kinzang Dorji on behalf of the President of the BOC inaugurated the facility yesterday.

These are the first major facilities to be established in Haa since the inception of the Haa Sports Association in 2016.

The football pitch cost Nu 29.108 million (M), and the multi-sports hall was constructed at the cost of Nu 38.880M.  The government of India funded the projects under its Project-Tied Assistance.

These are the first major facilities to be established in Haa

The football ground was supposed to be completed within eight months starting in November 2019 by the local contractor, but the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the work which was completed in December 2020.

The deadline for the new multi-sports hall construction was also prolonged owing to the pandemic.  The work was supposed to be completed within 15 months starting January 2019, but it was concluded only in April this year.

BOC’s Secretary General Sonam Karma Tshering said: “It is our prayer and hope that this sports arena will serve as a home for all sports enthusiasts in Haa, as it represents a new phase of growth, for the development of sports in the country.”

Sonam Karma Tshering said the sports arena will serve as a platform to promote an active lifestyle, and also become a thriving hub for nurturing young sporting talents.

Furthermore, he added that the facilities would help ensure the financial sustainability of the Haa Sports Association and become a model sports association in the country.

With these new facilities, the Haa Sports Association is optimistic about organising tournaments and further promoting sports in the region.