Infrastructure: To accelerate the development of sports in the country, the Bhutan Olympics Committee (BOC) is planning to propose more than 10 major infrastructure projects in the 12th Plan.
BOC revealed the proposals costing more than Nu 900 million (M) during its second Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Phuentsholing yesterday.
BOC President His Royal Highness (HRH) Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck graced the AGM.
Officials from the committee, the sports federations, and dzongkhag sports associations were also in attendance.
As per the committee’s proposal, construction of an additional seating gallery with roofing at the Changlimithang Stadium is in the pipeline. The committee has allocated Nu 48M for this purpose.
Should the budget pass, Haa will receive Nu 115.93M worth of sports infrastructure in the next Plan.
Construction of a multi-sports hall, an astro turf, volleyball and basketball courts, a futsal ground, an outdoor gym, and a car parking have been proposed for.
BOC officials also proposed for additional facilities in Phuentsholing, Samdrupjongkhar, and Punakha.
BOC also proposed for a Nu 292M sports recreational centre in Thimphu along with a basketball stadium, taekwondo and badminton halls and car parks.
Bhutan Anti-Doping Committee (BADC) director, Nima Gyeltshen spoke about the importance of preventing doping in the country. “No cases have been reported from within the country or from outside the country,” he said. “But we have to be prepared.”
With the increase in sports events and competitions, commercials, and an abundance of supplements and local drugs, Nima Gyeltshen said, “stakeholders should be more careful and cautious.”
BOC President HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck applauded the representatives for playing important roles in contributing to sports in the country. “You all are the true foot soldiers,” HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck said, during the closing of the meeting.
HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck also said that they are responsible for a huge chunk of the success and failure of sports. “We have to create efficient and effective systems to deliver to as many as possible,” he said. “We have come a very long way.”
HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck acknowledged the efforts of the BOC, NSFs, DSAs, coaches, the Royal Government, the Government of India, and many other international and national stakeholders in developing sports in the country.
The Phuentsholing Sports Complex, meanwhile, will be inaugurated today. The astro turf of the Phuentsholing Sports Association (PSA) will also be inaugurated.
A friendly football match between BOC and the PSA team will take place this afternoon.
Rajesh Rai | Phuentsholing