Event: As a strict mother, a caring and loving grandmother and now an active athlete, 60-year-old Aum Zam has excelled in all her roles.

In one of the corners of Changlimithang stadium, where Olympic Day was being celebrated on April 30, Aum Zam, was readying for battle.

Her hands encased in red-coloured boxing gloves and protective gear adorning her head, she prepared to take on her 18-year-old opponent, in front of thousands who had gathered to celebrate the day.

Once the bell rung, Aum Zam went into full-attack and came out swinging, putting her much younger opponent on the ropes and forced to play a defensive game.

BOC president, HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, rooted for Aum Zam on the sidelines. BOC organised the event to not only celebrate the birth of the modern Olympic games but to also celebrate the birth of HRH The Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck.

From the silver screen to the artificial turf at Changlimithang, the popular actress, Aum Zam, has a way of grabbing attention.

Besides working for the Bhutanese Film Industry, Aum Zam has been helping with the BOC for as long as she can remember. “Before there was a BOC office, I was here at the national stadium helping with all sporting events that took place,” said Aum Zam.

Today, as one enters the BOC office, Aum Zam awaits them at the doorsteps, greeting each and every individual who visits the office.

“As a child I didn’t play much games but now that I think of it I don’t have any regrets,” shares Aum Zam.

“And young athletes are more than happy to teach and play with me.”

Aum Zam has been a part of 28 movies so far. “I like to entertain people. Working in movies and playing sports are similar, both entertains people,” she said.

Some 2,000 students from 21 schools under Thimphu Thromde took part in the celebration. Fifteen National Sports Federations and two Sports Association affiliated with BOC had organised several drills and activities for the participants.

Children as young as four were seen taking active part in the activities. Ten-year-old Ugyen Penjor Rigsel and his friend Passang, 12 put up an exciting boxing match for the crowd.

Male and female alike, all genders came together on the day to celebrate the sporting culture in the country. Little girls were seen in action at the mini khuru pitch, waiting impatiently for their turn to shoot the dart.

HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck and officials from the government also actively participated in the event.

Younten Tshedup