The financial support is to provide equal opportunities for women players

His Majesty The King granted an additional salary of Nu 20,000

Thinley Namgay  

Beginning next month, women national football players will draw an equal salary as the male players.

This was made possible with Royal Soelra from His Majesty The King of Nu 20,000 a month to 30 women footballers.

So far, Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) paid women players Nu 10,000 as monthly salary.

The Office of the Gyalpoi Zimpon conveyed the Royal Command to BFF. It stated that the financial support was envisioned to provide equal opportunities for women players, to strengthen the women’s national team, and enable it to excel in its performance internationally.

President of the BFF, Ugen Tsechup Dorji, said that the monthly remuneration would go a long way in enabling women football players to pursue the sport professionally, and also serve to attract young girls to the sport.

“His Majesty’s gift ensures the future of women in football. This is an opportunity as well as a responsibility for BFF to take women’s football to a higher level. We commit ourselves wholeheartedly in fulfilling this endeavour,” he said.

Men’s national team had also been receiving Nu 30,000 as monthly salary starting from this year with the support from Druk Holding and Investments (DHI). DHI agreed to support BFF with Nu 20,000 a month for the 30 players in the national team as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Press release from the BFF stated: “His Majesty’s timely and gracious gift has meant that in Bhutan, men and women’s football can progress with equal support. At a time when the lack of support for women’s sport is an issue globally, the Royal Soelra sets a precedent for Bhutan to be a forerunner.”