9th Bhutan University Sports Federation Games Conclude with Thrilling Football Finals at Samtse College of Education
After six days of intense competition and camaraderie, the 9th Bhutan University Sports Federation (BUSF) Games came to an exciting conclusion at Samtse College of Education on December 17, 2024. The closing ceremony marked the culmination of an event that celebrated both athletic achievements and the spirit of friendship and collaboration.
Lungtaen Gaytso, the president of CLCS, was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. The games, which began on December 11, were scheduled to coincide with Bhutan’s 117th National Day, making the final day particularly significant. The day started with a special prayer session in the Prayer Hall, where butter lamps were lit, followed by a short prayer. This was followed by the Marchang ceremony, national anthem, and Zhabten, adding to the cultural richness and reverence of the occasion.
The football finals were one of the day’s major highlights. In the women’s football final, PCE triumphed with a dominant 2-0 victory, while Paro College emerged as the men’s football champions. PCE received a cash prize of Nu 7,000, while runners-up Sherubtse took home a Nu 5,000 cash prize. In the men’s football final, Paro College claimed the title with a Nu 7,000 cash prize, while JNEC finished as the runners-up, receiving Nu 5,000.
The women’s final football match was paused in a moment of deep respect for His Majesty the King’s highly anticipated National Day speech. Both players and spectators, eager to hear the address, embraced the pause with a shared sense of anticipation and reverence. This thoughtful interlude allowed everyone to listen attentively, reflecting on the profound significance of the speech, and underscored the importance of the national spirit
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The volleyball finals were played yesterday, with Paro College claiming victory in the women’s competition, securing a Nu 5,000 cash prize, and Samtse College taking the runner-up position with a Nu 3,000 cash prize. In the men’s volleyball final, Gedu won the title, while Sherubtse finished as the runners-up, both teams receiving similar cash prizes.
Basketball finals were also held yesterday. In the women’s competition, Paro College secured the championship, winning Nu 15,000 cash prize from the Basketball Federation Of Bhutan – BFB and Nu 5,000 from Bhutan University Sports Federation, while CNR finished as runner-up receiving Nu.10,000 from BFB and Nu. 3000 from BUSF. In the men’s final, Gedu took the top prize, receiving Nu 15,000 from the BFB and Nu. 5,000 from BUSF, while CNR finished as runners-up, receiving Nu 10,000 from BFB and Nu. 3000 from BUSF.
The flags of all participating colleges were lowered and handed over to their respective institutions. The BUSF and FISU flags were then presented to the Dean of Student Affairs of CNR, as they will host the 10th Winter Games, marking the official handover of responsibilities for the next edition of the games.
With the conclusion of the competition and award ceremony, students and athletes began their journey home for the winter break, bringing to a close a successful and memorable event. The 9th BUSF Games not only celebrated athletic excellence but also strengthened the bonds among Bhutanese students through friendly competition.
