Thinley Namgay
Delhi FC recently signed Bhutanese senior national footballer, Dawa Tshering, for the 2024-2025 I-League season, scheduled to take place between October and April, featuring 12 clubs.
The I-League is the second tier in the Indian professional football league system.
Delhi FC, founded in 1994 and based in Delhi, competes in I-League and the Delhi Premier League.
This marks Dawa’s second international signing within nine months this year. Dawa as a player is known for his striking and dribbling skills, stamina, precise passing, and play making.
Between January and February, he played for the Thai-based club Surin Khong Chee Mool FC, where he scored one goal and provided four assists in nine games.
He couldn’t continue with Surin Khong Chee Mool FC as the tournament ended, and he had to return for national duty to participate in the FIFA Series 2024.
Hailing from Thrimshing, Trashigang, Dawa arrived in Delhi on September 10.
Dawa Tshering expressed that his new contract with Delhi FC is a significant achievement in his career. “I am thrilled to join the team. It’s a great opportunity for me to grow professionally and contribute to the team’s success.”
He added: “For my career, this means gaining valuable experience in a competitive environment, which can open doors to future opportunities.”
Dawa also hopes that his signing will inspire young athletes and help elevate the profile of Bhutanese football on the international stage.
Dawa credited his agent for facilitating his move to the current club. His specific position on the team is yet to be determined.
Delhi FC recently posted on their official Facebook page: “Adding some goal-scoring prowess from Bhutan to the warrior’s family. Welcome to Delhi FC, Dawa Tshering.”
Before joining Delhi FC, the 26-year-old Dawa was playing as a left winger for Samtse FC in the ongoing Bhutan Premier League. He has been a key player for Samtse FC, scoring 12 goals in 14 games.
Samtse FC is currently ranked in the top five in the Bhutan Premier League, despite being a new club. Dawa’s contribution over the last 14 games has been commendable.
Dawa was also a crucial player when Bhutan beat Hong Kong 2-0 in Thimphu last year during the World Cup Qualifiers.
Besides Samtse FC, Dawa has played for reputed clubs in Bhutan, including Druk Star FC, Druk United FC, Thimphu City FC, and Transport United FC. In past Bhutan Premier League seasons, Dawa was declared the league’s Most Valuable Player twice.
Dawa Tshering joined the senior national team in 2017, making his debut against Palestine on September 5, 2017, in the 2019 Asian Cup Qualification. He played more than 25 international games for the country.
He has been part of the junior national team since 2010.
Outside of football, Dawa enjoys hiking and is a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo.
So far, Bhutanese players such as Chencho Gyeltshen, Dawa Tshering, Lhendup Dorji, Jigme Tshering Dorji, Tenzin Norbu, Tshering Dorji, and Kezang have signed with international clubs.
The presence of Bhutanese players in foreign clubs signifies the growth of football in Bhutan and serves as an inspiration for aspiring young footballers.