Excitement and Unity Mark the Opening of the 9th Bhutan University Sports Federation Games
The 9th Bhutan University Sports Federation (BUSF) Games commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony at Samtse College of Education on December 11, 2024. This marked the beginning of a week-long celebration of sportsmanship and competition among the 10 participating colleges.
The ceremony began at 8 a.m. at the college football ground, where participants and spectators gathered in high spirits. Dasho Dzongdag Minjur Dorji of Samtse graced the event as the chief guest, receiving a warm welcome from the enthusiastic crowd. In his address, Dasho Dzongdag highlighted Bhutan’s remarkable progress in sports, noting that athletes have grown in confidence and improved their performances on regional and international platforms. He emphasized that the university games embody core values such as resilience, unity, respect, inclusivity, gratitude, joy, and humility.
Following the speeches, a marching parade captivated the audience as students proudly represented their colleges, with banners held high in the morning breeze. A symbolic highlight of the ceremony was the lighting of the BUSF flame, passed in a relay by athletes from each college, celebrating unity and the competitive spirit.
The Dean of Student Affairs and the chief guest reiterated the importance of sports in education. Dr. Kezang Sherab, Chair of BUSF, underscored the holistic value of the games, stating, “These games are an essential part of university education. The lessons students learn on the field—about teamwork, resilience, and leadership—can be more impactful than those learned within the classroom walls.”
The sports action kicked off with a thrilling football match between the College of Natural Resources (CNR) and Paro College of Education (PCE). PCE dominated with a 5-2 victory, with standout player Kinley Gyeltshen scoring four goals.
In volleyball, Sherubtse College narrowly defeated Gedu College of Business Studies (GCBS) in a thrilling five-set match. Meanwhile, in women’s football, Guru Dema and Yangchen Lhamo secured victory for CLCS against Gyelpozhing College with a score of 2-0.
Basketball games added to the excitement, with the boys from CNR triumphed over Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC) with a score of 45-26, while the CNR girls’ team edged past GCBS in a close 32-29 match. On the volleyball court, the women’s team from Paro College triumphed over the host college, Samtse College of Education (SCE), in straight sets.
The opening day of the BUSF Games was a testament to sportsmanship, teamwork, and friendly competition, leaving athletes and spectators eager for the events ahead. The week-long games will culminate on December 17th, coinciding with Bhutan’s National Day, providing a fitting conclusion to this inspiring celebration of unity and athletic excellence.
