The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The 2-month selection process and fierce competition among the Nyagoes from various dzongkhags has ended coinciding with the 117th National Day, with the Sarpang Nyagoe clenching the title, surprising his contenders and the audience in the stadium and viewers at home.
The competition coordinator shared that due to the pandemic, they couldn’t conduct the competition for several years.
He said, “There were many challenges, in terms, of finances and resources while organizing the competitions, but we sought support from relevant stakeholders and businesses for sponsorships which made it successful in the end with the main support from the Ministry of Home Affairs.”
Currently serving in the Royal Bhutan Army, from Sarpang, 38-year-old Tshering Phuntsho clenched the title of 2024 edition of the Nyagoe Competition with the prize of Nu 700,000.
Tshering originally hails from Bumthang, but he has been resettled in Sarpang.
“I took my own time during the quarter-final and semi-final. During the final, I decided to give my best, and also with luck on my side, I won the competition.”
He shared that, he had also participated in the 2018 Nyagoe competition, but couldn’t win the title during the final. This year, he said he gave it his best.
“With the prize money that I received, I would like to repay to those from whom I had borrowed during my competition for financial support, and the rest of the amount will be invested for my family.”
1st Runner-up, Passang Dorji, the Bumthang Nyagoe, currently working at the airport and also working as a part-time traditional painter, claimed the Nu 500,000 prize money.
With support from his friends, he decided to join the competition but his family members were concerned with the risk associated with this competition.
Passang said, “During my journey in this competition, I have received tremendous support from our dzongkhag and the community. But I couldn’t claim the title, and I would like to apologize to all the supporters.”
He shared that he had been participating since 2015 in the competition. He won one title and bagged 1st runners-up prizes twice.
“With the prize money, I do not have any plan to invest. I wish to provide it to my family and help my parents. This year is my last participation, and I won’t participate from here on, but if any young ones wish to participate, I would love to render my support in advising them.”
Currently, serving in the Royal Body Guard, Dagana Nyagoe Gyem Tshering claimed the 3rd position with prize money of Nu 300,000.
“I was worried if I could participate and compete with other contestants. Although I have an interest, but with the age factor, I didn’t want to risk myself. However, I’m proud of myself that I participated and bagged 3rd position but this is my last time participating in the competition.”
With support from his senior officials and friends, he was able to participate and give his best during this competition.
“I want to thank God for the blessings and support. With the prize money, I want to organize a small thanksgiving meal for my friends and family who supported me during this journey and I would save the rest of the amount in my bank account.”
26-year-old Jimba Tshewang, Trongsa Nyagoe bagged the 4th position claiming the prize money of Nu 200,000.
He shared that with the support from the community and his interest, he participated in this competition but couldn’t perform as he thought, and he believes that it depends upon luck.
“I do not have any plans as such with what I’m going to do with the prize money. For now, I will save it in my bank account and think of what I would do with it.”
Currently serving in the Royal Body Guard, Punakha Nyagoe Karma Yoezer, 30 years old, bagged the 5th prize with prize money of Nu 100,000.
“I participated twice before and reached finals. So, the community, my friends, and higher officials knew my capabilities and supported me to participate in this competition, but my wife and my daughter didn’t want me to participate due to the risk associated with the competition.”
He shared that he would use a certain amount of the prize money as his family’s expenses and save rest in the bank.
With the directives from the Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs to revive the much-anticipated Nyagoe competition, it was successfully concluded with main event sponsors provided by the Department of Media Creative Industry & Intellectual Property, Business owners, and community support.
