𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐔-𝟐𝟎 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐅 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫

…𝒔𝒊𝒙 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒅𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏’𝒔 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕

By Tashi Tshewang

Bhutan’s U-20 women’s national football team is set to face Nepal in their opening match of the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship 2025 on July 11 at 7:00 PM Bhutan Standard Time (BST) at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in Bangladesh. The match will mark the beginning of a demanding tournament for Bhutan, who will compete in six matches between July 11 and July 21 against Nepal, Sri Lanka, and host nation Bangladesh in a double round-robin format.

Organised by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), the championship brings together top young female footballers from South Asia. This year’s edition offers national teams a platform to assess their squads, identify emerging talent, and contribute to the growth of women’s football in the region.

Bhutan’s fixture schedule is tightly packed. Following the match against Nepal, the team will play Sri Lanka on July 13 at 3:00 PM BST, and Bangladesh on July 15 at 3:00 PM BST. The return fixtures begin with Bangladesh on July 17 at 7:00 PM BST, followed by Nepal on July 19 at 3:00 PM BST, and concluding with Sri Lanka on July 21 at 3:00 PM BST.

Although Bhutan is not considered a tournament favourite, the team enters the championship with increasing confidence. The Bhutan Football Federation has been promoting youth football through grassroots initiatives, and the U-20 team’s participation reflects broader national efforts to improve the overall standard of football in the country, particularly among women.

With a tightly scheduled tournament and strong regional opponents, Bhutan’s young squad aims to gain international exposure, build experience, and represent the country with pride. Supporters back home will be closely watching their progress.

U-20 Head Coach Tanka Maya Ghalley said, “With the tight tournament schedule, our preparation focused equally on physical conditioning and mental resilience. Physically, we emphasized recovery, ice baths, proper nutrition, and sleep routines to keep the players fresh and ready. Our training sessions were periodized to match the competition’s rhythm and demands. Mentally, we have worked on focus, building team unity, and helping players manage pressure. We tell them to take one match at a time and support each other no matter the result. Nepal and Bangladesh are strong sides, so we have planned an adaptable strategy using our speed for high pressing and quick transitions, while staying compact in defense.”

With six matches in just ten days, the team’s preparation will be tested on several fronts. Coach Ghalley’s approach stresses the importance of recovery, cohesion, and learning from each game. Against experienced teams like Nepal and Bangladesh, the players will need to maintain a careful balance between pressing forward and staying disciplined at the back.

She added, “This tournament is hugely important for the development of women’s football in Bhutan. It gives our players international exposure and a chance to measure themselves against strong, well-organized teams. Beyond the results, we want to establish an identity based on courage, discipline, and teamwork. Every game helps our players grow as athletes and individuals. If we can perform with consistency, stay composed under pressure, and support each other as a unit, we are already moving in the right direction. Ultimately, we hope this experience inspires more girls across Bhutan to take up football and believe they too can represent the country one day.”

Midfielder Pre ya Ghalley, one of the players, said the training programs have made a significant difference. “The training and grassroots programs have really improved my fitness, confidence, and overall understanding of the game. It’s helped me grow as a player. I want to give my best in every match, help my team, and improve with each game.”
For players like Preya, Bhutan’s investment in youth development and grassroots training is showing results. These structured programs not only enhance physical skills but also encourage young women to pursue sports with confidence and purpose. The SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship allows these athletes to test their abilities, both as individuals and as part of a team shaped by national development efforts.

She added, “Teamwork is everything in a tournament. We support each other, communicate well, and stay like a family both on and off the pitch. I believe women’s football in Bhutan is getting stronger. This tournament gives us more experience and shows young girls back home that football is for them too.”

Goalkeeper Ditksha Rai echoed the importance of representing Bhutan at the regional level. “It’s a huge honor and a moment of immense pride to wear the national colors and represent Bhutan on a regional stage. For a small country like ours, every opportunity to compete internationally is a chance to showcase our talent, resilience, and spirit. It’s not just about the competition. It’s about representing our people, culture, and values. The most challenging part has been staying consistent, balancing intense training with recovery while staying mentally focused every single day.”

For athletes like Ditksha, the tournament is a test of preparation and mindset. Her position as goalkeeper demands sustained concentration, and her comments reflect the broader mental discipline the team is working to strengthen.
She said, “Handling the pressure of playing multiple tough matches in a short period comes down to preparation, recovery, and mindset. I focus on hydration, nutrition, rest, and active recovery sessions to stay ready. Mentally, I take one game at a time and try not to get overwhelmed by the full schedule. The support from my coaches and teammates helps keep the energy positive. I am especially looking forward to playing against Bangladesh. Their physical style, passionate fans, and intensity on the field always make it a big challenge. It’s the kind of match that pushes us to our best.”

Jigme Wangchuk, a local football player from Thimphu, expressed optimism about the team. “I am really proud to see our young women’s team getting this chance to shine on such a big stage. It’s exciting that they are up against tough teams like Nepal and Bangladesh, but I believe with all the hard work and training, they can surprise everyone. Bhutanese football has been growing steadily, and these girls are the future.”

The SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship will serve as a critical platform for Bhutan’s players to gain experience, test their development, and contribute to the growth of women’s football in the country.