The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Thimphu is the stage for one of South Asia’s most anticipated youth sporting events as Bhutan prepares to host the Badminton Asia South Asia Regional Junior Championship 2025 from 15th to 22nd August. The championship, being held at the Bhutan Badminton Federation Hall in Bebena, is bringing together emerging talent, regional sportsmanship, and a new chapter in Bhutan’s badminton journey.
The opening ceremony was graced by Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa, Minister for Education and Skills Development, and attended by Guest of Honour the President of the Bhutan Cricket Council Board, Thinley Wangchuk Dorji. Representatives from Badminton Asia, including Development Officer, Thanabalan Arikshinam, and Senior Development Manager, Sambethen Sivapuramal, joined national sports officials for the occasion.
In his address, Mr. Kinley Tshering, General Secretary of the Bhutan Badminton Federation, described the event as “another history in Bhutan’s sporting journey,” thanking the Bhutan Olympic Committee, Badminton Asia, and main sponsor Victor Sports for their support.
This will be the first time Bhutan hosts the event at such a scale, marking a leap forward for the country’s ambitions in the sport. Over 60 young players from Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka will compete, not just for medals, but also to strengthen cross-border ties through sport.
Organised by the Bhutan Olympic Committee in collaboration with Badminton Asia, and supported by sponsor Victor Sports, the week-long championship will showcase three competitive categories; U15, U17, and, for the first time, U23, a newly introduced division aimed at helping players transition between junior and senior levels.
Bhutan will enter the tournament with one of its largest-ever junior squads, 28 athletes of which eight are competing in U23, ten in U17, and ten in U15. The format will feature team events first, followed by individual matches, giving players multiple chances to shine.
For Bhutan, this is more than just hosting duties, it is about building momentum in a sport that has been steadily gaining popularity. Head Coach, Sherab Gyaltshen, said the moment carries deep significance.
“Hosting the Badminton Asia South Asia Regional Junior Championship is a landmark occasion for Bhutan badminton. Our young athletes have dedicated themselves to rigorous training, fueled by passion and discipline.”
The event is also seen as a platform to inspire younger generations and bring world-class competition closer to home. For many of the players, this will be their first taste of competing against some of the region’s best and for Bhutan’s supporters, a chance to witness history in the making.
