𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐮 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞

…𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒖𝒑𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒄 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉, 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂-𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒔

By Tashi Tshewang

The restoration of the Thimphu Basketball Center has transformed Bhutan’s oldest indoor basketball facility into one of the country’s most inclusive and accessibility-focused sporting spaces, introducing modern upgrades that expand opportunities for youth, national athletes, and para-athletes. Inaugurated on November 25 in the presence of Her Majesty Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck, members of the Royal Family, and dignitaries, the upgraded center now combines its historic legacy with features designed to meet the needs of athletes of all abilities.

The facility’s renovation includes a new shock-absorbent playing surface suitable for wheelchair users, professional-standard basketball systems, enhanced lighting and ventilation, improved plumbing and interior repairs, and redesigned movement pathways. Accessibility improvements such as barrier-free entrances, ramps, widened circulation areas, and upgraded restrooms for individuals with special needs make the center one of the few indoor sports venues in Bhutan equipped to support adaptive sports and para-athlete training.

These upgrades open new pathways for structured coaching programs, safe practice environments, and national-level preparation for para-athletes, who have long faced challenges in accessing appropriate indoor training spaces. Beyond its technical improvements, the restored center reflects a broader national commitment to inclusive sports infrastructure, ensuring that athletes with disabilities can participate with greater independence, safety, and dignity.
Honoring the legacy of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo on his 70th Birth Anniversary, the project preserves the significance of the country’s basketball court while positioning it as a modern hub for competitions, youth engagement, and community-based adaptive sports.

Sonam Tobgay, General Secretary of the Basketball Federation of Bhutan, said, “The Swimming Pool Basketball Court hasn’t seen any major renovations for nearly 40 years. Over time, the structure and facilities had become outdated, and it was no longer able to meet the needs of modern athletes. With this restoration, we have completely transformed the venue.

“We started with a brand-new roof, freshly painted walls, and a reinforced structure to ensure safety and durability. Inside, the flooring has been replaced with professional-grade maple flooring, the lighting system has been upgraded to meet modern standards, and the toilets have been fully renovated. For the first time, the court now provides a playing environment that is both safe and suitable for competitive basketball.”

He added, “The successful completion of this renovation would not have been possible without the vision and initiative of Dasho Thinley Norbu. We are deeply grateful to all donors, family, friends, and businesses who contributed to this project. A particularly significant contribution came from the Bhutan Foundation, which provided nearly 70 percent of the total budget. Their generous support has enabled us to turn this long-awaited project into a reality. This restored facility is not just a basketball court; it is a symbol of community effort, national pride, and the spirit of inclusivity. We hope it will inspire young athletes, support national-level training, and provide a safe and welcoming space for all members of our sporting community.”

Norbu Dema, Bhutan Foundation Country Director, said, “Several decades ago, this facility used to be a very vibrant sporting hub, and many people have fond memories associated with it. When the Basketball Federation approached us to help restore the structure, we were very happy to provide funding support. This renovation is designed with the future in mind, making the facility more accessible, including for persons with disabilities. It is a project we are humbled to dedicate to the 70th birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.”

The project reflects not only Bhutan Foundation’s support for sports but also its alignment with His Majesty’s vision for the country. His Majesty has always emphasized the role of sports in character development, resilience building, and holistic growth among young Bhutanese. By restoring this basketball facility, the initiative honors that vision and creates a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment for athletes of all ages and abilities. The project demonstrates how community collaboration, guided by national values, can bring historic facilities back to life.

She added, “This initiative was made possible through contributions from the Bhutan Foundation Board, advisory council members, staff, and supporters of the Basketball Federation, including private sponsors. The project, led by Dasho Thinley Norbu, was completed within a short period of three months, thanks to the dedication and commitment of everyone involved. Our hope is that, in the future, this facility once again becomes a vibrant sporting hub, where young people gather to play basketball, build skills, and create memories, just as it did in the past.”

Kinley Dema, para-athlete, said, “This basketball inauguration is a great opportunity for people with disabilities. It provides a platform for talented athletes like me to train, improve our skills, and participate in competitions we may not have had access to before.”

The upgraded facility represents a significant step toward inclusivity in sports. By providing barrier-free access, adapted courts, and supportive facilities, it ensures that athletes with disabilities can train safely and independently. This initiative highlights how sports can empower individuals, build confidence, and promote broader participation in the community.

She added, “It is also beneficial for the country, as it supports Paralympic athletes and allows them to compete at higher levels. The arrangements for people with disabilities have been thought out very well, and I feel proud to see such inclusive initiatives being implemented.”