Thinley Namgay 

The 2024 National Federation League is currently in full swing at the Changlimithang Sports Arena in Thimphu, featuring six volleyball clubs since kickoff on October 12.

The Bhutan Volleyball Federation (BVBF) is organising the tournament.

The six participating volleyball clubs   are WE Spikers, Tensung, Drukpol, BVBF Academy, Old Friends, and CNR.

As of yesterday, each team has played three out of five matches. WE Spikers and Tensung lead the standings with nine points each, followed by Drukpol and BVBF Academy with six and three points, respectively. Old Friends and CNR are yet to  fetch their first points.

BVBF’s programme officer, Ugyen Dorji, said that the third edition tournament was a bit different. “For the first time in the country, We Spikers and OId Friends have recruited foreign players each from India, which is a sign of volleyball’s development in the country.” 

BVBF Academy and CNR are the tournament’s new entries.

Today, Old Friends will face BVBF Academy at 6 PM.

BVBF coach, Karma Dorji, said that his players have been playing well despite a team being new.  “My players are students of Thimphu under the age of 19. We  aim  to enter the semifinal after beating Old Friends today.” 

CNR’s Coach Dorji Wangda said that his team was optimistic to win their two remaining games  against Old Friends and  Drukpol. “Maybe due to the lack of game exposure, my boys could not achieve the expected results in the last three matches. This competition is an opportunity to address this issue.”

Dorji Wangda said that the organiser had allocated Nu 25,000 to support teams travelling from outside Thimphu for their food and lodging expenses.

Players across all teams emphasised that the National Federation League provides a platform to showcase their talents and learn new skills. The tournament format consists of a league where all teams face each other once, culminating in a finale on November 1.