The Nu 667 million project is funded by Bhutan-India Friendship Project
Thinley Namgay
The President of Bhutan Olympic Committee, His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, graced the groundbreaking ceremony of the Rama Centre of Excellence for Cricket and Shooting at Chang Rama in Thimphu yesterday.
The Rama Centre of Excellence will be a world-class facility aimed at fostering top-tier athletes in cricket and shooting. It will also serve as an international venue for major sporting events, helping elevate Bhutan’s standing on the global sports stage.
Spanning 39 acres, the Rama Centre will feature world-class cricket grounds, shooting ranges, athlete accommodations, and essential amenities, including a gymnasium and medical services.
The development will occur in phases, with the first phase, focused on core sports infrastructure, slated for completion in three to four years.
Funded under the Bhutan-India Friendship Project with a budget of Nu 667 million, the centre is poised to become a cornerstone of bilateral ties between the two nations, and aims to position Bhutan as a regional hub for shooting and cricket.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, cabinet ministers, Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Sudhakar Dalela, and sports enthusiasts also attended the ceremony.
Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Sudhakar Dalela emphasised his firm support for the initiative, underscoring the vital role of sports in enhancing bilateral relations between India and Bhutan. He said that the centre has immense potential to provide meaningful opportunities for Bhutanese youth while fostering regional cooperation.
President of Bhutan Cricket, Thinley Wangchuk Dorji, said the centre has the transformative potential to nurture Bhutan’s future sports talents and position the country as an international destination for sports excellence.
Athletes and sports enthusiasts believe that the Rama Centre of Excellence will help attract and encourage youth participation in sports, which remains a challenge in the country.
They said that a lack of proper infrastructure has been one of the major issues in sports development and that such a world-class facility will significantly improve the quality of sports in Bhutan.
Currently, Bhutan has only a few sports facilities capable of hosting regional games.