Thinley Namgay

Sports federations and associations are strictly following the government’s directive to postpone the sporting events due to COVID-19.

Training and events within the country and international tournaments are all on hold.

Bhutan Badminton Federation’s general secretary, Kinley Tshering, said that as per the government’s order, training at Bebena Sports Complex in Thimphu was postponed. “Dzongkhag sports associations are also complying with the notification.”

Kinley Tshering said that he had to even cancel the South Asian Badminton Leader Meeting from March 26-28 in India.

“The Upcoming Badminton World Federation meeting from May 20 to 26 at Denmark has also been cancelled,” he said.

The Bhutan Shooting Federation cancelled two important Tokyo 2020 qualification events due to COVID-19.

A 25-years-old para shooter, Kinley Dem from Wangdue was supposed to take part in 2020 World Shooting Para Sport World Cup at Dubai, United Arab Emirates from March 11 to 22. The organisers cancelled the event.

Bhutan Shooting Federation’s coach, Kunzang Choden, said that the federation had cancelled the ISSF World Cup competition, which is going to take place in New Delhi from March 15 to 26. “Four participants were already selected to take part in the competition, but we had to compromise that. The competition is also for the Tokyo 2020 qualification round.”

Kunzang Choden said that as per the Olympic rule, it was mandatory for the participants to at least participate in the two pre-world cup events to acquire the Olympic quota. “Even to get the wild card entry, athletes must fulfil certain criteria.”

The Lima 2020 World Shooting Para Sport World Cup will be held in Peru in April. Kinley Dem was selected for the event. However,  Kunzang Choden said that she was worried about the event.

Officials from Bhutan Indigenous Games and Sports Association (BIGSA) said that the finals of the Mewang Gyalsey Traditional Archery Tournament would take place on March 22 if the situation improved.

Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Memorial Gold Cup in Samtse was also cancelled.

Bhutan Football Federation’s officials were concerned about the 2020 BOB Bhutan Premier league visa for foreign players if the situation did not improve.

However, Officials from Bhutan Olympic Committee said that the COVID-19 had not delayed their planned activities so far.