Bhutan hosted nine major international tournaments in 2024 

 Thinley Namgay 

Hosting international sports tournaments in the country can drive sports development while contributing to the local economy.

Between January and October this year, Bhutan hosted nine major international sports events, ranging from football and judo to archery and basketball, all of which provided significant benefits to the country’s economy and its athletes. 

The Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) was the focal point of these events, organising five high-profile tournaments: the SAFF U-17 Men’s Championship, two FIFA international friendly matches, the AFC Women’s Champions League, and the AFC Challenge League. 

Other international tournaments included the Bhutan Judo Association’s Jita-Kyoei International Judo Tournament, the Bhutan Archery Federation’s Bhutan Grand Prix Archery Tournament, the Bhutan Volleyball Federation’s Beach Volleyball CAVA Championships, and the Bhutan Basketball Federation’s Indo-Bhutan Friendship Women’s Club Games. 

Economic impact 

BFF’s media and marketing director, Phuntsho Wangdi, said that when the BFF hosts international tournaments for SAFF, AFC, and FIFA, the budget for each tournament ranges between USD 300,000 and USD  600,000.

These funds are primarily spent on logistics, including accommodation, transportation, and meals for the players and officials. “Additionally, they also purchase airline tickets for players and officials. We are talking about some 300 football players and officials flying to Bhutan each year,” Phuntsho Wangdi said. 

In 2024 alone, the BFF injected approximately USD 1.2 million into the local economy through these events.

The economic impact of these events go beyond sports venues. Hotels, local transport services, restaurants, and retail businesses all see increased demand as international teams and spectators flood into the country. 

“Hosting these tournaments brings a surge in revenue for local businesses, especially in the hospitality and tourism sectors,” said Karma Jigme, President of Paro FC. “It also creates jobs in areas like event management, tourism, and hospitality, providing local workers with valuable experience.”

Karma Jigme said that, on a global level, these events elevate Bhutan’s visibility. “When players, coaches, and fans share their experiences on social media, they promote Bhutan’s unique culture and natural beauty to a worldwide audience, often reaching millions.”

He added that this kind of exposure can boost tourism interest as more people learn about Bhutan through these posts, helping to position Bhutan as an emerging destination for sports tourism with significant potential for sustainable growth. 

He also said that through football, Bhutan could gain recognition as a country fostering talent and investing in sports. “Building such a reputation can attract future investments, sponsorships, and partnerships, enhancing Bhutan’s football infrastructure and talent pool while fostering a sense of pride and community among the Bhutanese people.”

Exposure for athletes 

For Bhutanese athletes, these tournaments provide a crucial platform for growth and development. 

President of the Bhutan Judo Association, Karma L. Dorji,  said that hosting international competitions, such as the South Asian Games, is essential for sports development. “Competing against the best athletes in the region allows Bhutanese athletes to improve their skills and prepare for higher-level tournaments,” he said. 

He also emphasised the importance of lower-level tournaments, which require less infrastructure but are essential for nurturing talent.

“Bhutan needs to organise more cycles of lower-level tournaments to prepare athletes to win at major competitions. Lower-level tournaments are those that may not be high-profile but are technically valuable for national coaches and athletes,” he said. 

He said that if Bhutan does not host international tournaments, Bhutanese athletes would have to travel abroad for competitions, which would become more expensive in the long run. “If we host these events domestically, the expenses will be on the visiting teams, and we can use our budget to allow more local athletes to gain international exposure.”

Athletes said that international matches held in Bhutan provide them with exposure, learning opportunities from other athletes, and a platform to showcase their talent to the home crowd.

Infrastructure challenges

Although hosting international matches within the country is seen as essential, Bhutan currently lacks the sports infrastructure to host major events.  

A few sports facilities that cater to some regional tournaments include Changlimithang Stadium, Gelephu cricket ground, the swimming pool at Babena, and the dojo hall at Olakha. 

Athletes and officials say that Bhutan has the potential to become a key player in the South Asian sports arena, especially given the region’s vast population of nearly 1.8 billion people. However, to achieve this, the country must increase its investment in sports infrastructure, enhance training programmes for athletes, and secure funding for major events.

Currently, most South Asian countries lack sufficient sports events due to issues related to infrastructure and lack of funds.

“With the right support, Bhutan could become a regional sports hub and foster talents that can compete on the international stage,” said athlete.