Thinley Namgay

A total of 16 teams from Paro and Thimphu are competing in the ongoing open veteran football championship, which started on November 21 in Thimphu.

Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) is organising the tournament.

According to the organisers, the tournament intends to encourage senior citizens to take part in the sports to keep them physically fit and also reduce the risk to various lifestyle diseases.

A total of 63 matches will be played during the entire tournament.

While, majority of the players are 40 years and above, BFF has allowed each team to have four players between 35 to 39 years.

Defending champions Zimdra Veteran FC’s Ugyen Dorji said that the team started the tournament on a high note with a 3-1 win on November 21. “I hope we can defend our title this year.”

He added that the tournament provides a platform for players to meet and interact with new people besides the physical exercise they get. “Many of us hardly get time due for exercise because of our personal and professional works.”

With six points, Paro 11 VFC leads the Pool-A as of December 2 followed by  Edulink VFC and Kuenphen VFC with four points each.

In the Pool B, Veteran Boys VFC leads the table with three points followed by Blue Wings RBP VFC and Zimdra VFC with three points each.

The final match will be played on January 5 next year.