The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Bhutan is strengthening school sports through a system that begins with mass participation and could help identify and develop the country’s next generation of athletes.
The Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) says school-based Sports and Physical Activities (SPA) are being integrated into the curriculum to promote physical fitness, mental and emotional well-being, social connectedness and healthy lifestyles, with an emphasis on giving every student an opportunity to participate.
“MoESD remains committed to promoting the holistic development of students through school-based Sports and Physical Activities (SPA) programs. By integrating SPA into the curriculum, the Ministry aims to cultivate physical fitness, mental and emotional well-being, social connectedness, and healthy lifestyles, with a strong emphasis on mass participation so that every student has meaningful opportunities to engage,” the Ministry said.
The program begins at an early age. The Sports and Physical Activities Carnival for primary schools was introduced nationwide in 2024, while SPA budgets for the 2026-27 financial year have been directly released to all Dzongkhags and Thromdes to support implementation at the local level.
The Ministry also recruits 70 School Sports Instructors annually. The instructors receive training in sports science, management, program implementation and safety, with refresher courses conducted to strengthen their capacity.
To broaden participation, 15 indigenous sports have been identified for implementation, particularly at the primary level.
The Ministry says these activities can also provide opportunities for students in schools with limited sports infrastructure.
At the school level, regular intramural sports provide the foundation for competition. Students can then progress from Dzongkhag School Sports Meets to regional meets and, eventually, the National School Sports Meets.
According to the Ministry, MoESD also organizes annual Dzongkhag School Sports Meets to promote healthy competition among secondary schools. “Winners from these meets qualify for the Regional School Sports Meets, which are held across seven regions where the top performers at the regional level then advance to the National School Sports Meets,” the Ministry said.
This creates a potential pathway from school participation to Dzongkhag competition, regional competition and national-level exposure.
The Ministry has also centrally procured basic sports equipment and essential athletic items for all 20 Dzongkhags and four Thromdes, while the National Standards and Guidelines for School Sports and Physical Activity 2026 have been shared to guide the planning, implementation and monitoring of SPA programs.
The Ministry says the objective extends beyond producing athletes.
“Through these initiatives, the Ministry is strengthening SPA as an essential part of education, contributing not only to students’ physical fitness but also to their mental and emotional well-being, the ministry said.
The Ministry further says, “The Ministry remains committed to creating a supportive environment where every student can participate, thrive, and develop the skills and habits required for a healthy and fulfilling life.”
According to the MoESD, students can advance through a structured competition pathway, beginning with school-level sports, progressing to Dzongkhag and regional meets, and eventually reaching the National School Sports Meets.
Moreover, the Ministry has also provided sports equipment and introduced national guidelines for school sports. While the primary goal is to ensure every student benefits from sports participation, the system is also laying the foundation for identifying and developing future athletes who could represent Bhutan at higher levels.
