A Year of Grand Slams and Growth: Bhutan Baseball & Softball Association’s 2024 in Review

Thimphu, Bhutan – The past year has been a landmark period for the Bhutan Baseball and Softball Association (BBSA), marked by unprecedented international collaboration, national expansion, and the thrilling development of youth athletes across the kingdom. From introductory camps to historic international visits, 2024 has firmly put Bhutan on the global baseball and softball map.

Twelve young BBSA athletes had an unforgettable experience at Yankee Stadium.
Image Courtesy of: Hudson Valley Renegades

January: A Winter of Development
The year kicked off with energy at the BBSA Annual Winter Camp, held from January 23rd to 30th at the Royal Bodyguard grounds in Dechencholing. A total of 83 enthusiastic youths, aged 6 to 18, participated, honing their skills and passion for the sport. This was swiftly followed by an inaugural Coaching and Development session in collaboration with Global Sports Partners (GSP) from February 14th-17th. Fifteen young coaches from the BBSA, U18, and senior national teams completed the course, equipping them to lead crucial U10 and U12 grassroots programs in schools.

February: Building a Strong Foundation
February was a month for building capacity off the field. On the 6th, the BBSA team began a three-month Professional Development Course for sports administrators, organized by the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) through Olympic Solidarity, focusing on governance, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. The month also saw a significant international achievement as our Program Head, Coach Jigdrel Wangchuk, became a certified Level 1 Softball Coach after completing a course in Pattaya, Thailand, organized by Softball Asia and the Japan Softball Association.

March & April: Exhibitions and League Launch
On March 15th, BBSA and its annual support partner, MyBhutan, hosted a special exhibition game for guests from Yale University. Our U18 national players enjoyed a fun and interactive day of cultural exchange through sport.

Throughout April, our weekend sessions with U18 and academy players continued with dedication. Our coaches also began school training sessions to select talent for a groundbreaking new initiative: the inaugural U12 School Baseball and Softball League.

A Historic Moment: The Inaugural U12 League
The league opened on April 20th at Rinchen Kuenphen Primary School, a historic day for Bhutanese sport. The ceremony commenced with a First Pitch thrown by Madam Kathleen, Director of Bhutan Cultural Exchange, whose vital support helped BBSA operate in 2021. One hundred children participated in this landmark event. The league was graced by Mr. Ben Wright, founder of Velocity Global and a dedicated baseball fan, who met our young athletes and generously donated equipment. Dechencholing HSS emerged as champions in both baseball and softball categories. This event was supported by The Asia Foundation and other key BBSA stakeholders.

May: International Recognition and U15 Success
May brought immense pride as BBSA won the first-ever World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) World Baseball Softball Day event for media content. The award, a $10,000 equipment grant, was received by Mrs. Ben on behalf of BBSA from WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari.On the field, the U15 School League Season 3 saw 115 athletes compete. Jigme Namgyel LSS triumphed, clinching their maiden trophy in both baseball and softball categories.

July: Summer Camps and Strategic Planning
The summer break was a buzz of activity with a 4-day camp for 120 kids, followed by specialized U12/U15 and U18 national team training camps, all focused on skill development and funded by The Asia Foundation.

BBSA also participated in the BOC’s 7th General Assembly, engaging in crucial discussions on infrastructure, financial independence, and good governance for national federations.

The Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) held its 7th General Assembly, the highest decision-making authority within the BOC, and approved several strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing sports infrastructure, promoting financial sustainability, optimizing programs, ensuring transparency, and expanding community engagement.
Image Courtesy of: Bhutan Olympic Committee

August: A Dream Trip to the USA
In a historic milestone, 12 young Bhutanese athletes (6 boys and 6 girls) traveled to the United States with support from the Hudson Valley Renegades. They experienced professional baseball, met New York Yankees players, and ran onto the field with them during a game opener. The Renegades further honored Bhutan by dedicating August 20th as "Bhutan Night" at their annual program.

September: U18 League and a Landmark Visit
The U18 School and Club League Season 2 saw Dechencholing HSS clinch both titles. The month was highlighted by an official visit from WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari, accompanied by COO Marco Lenna and Executive Assistant Victor Isola. Facilitated by the BOC, the four-day visit included audiences with His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, the Honorable Prime Minister Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay, and the Director of the Ministry of Education and Skill Development, signaling a strong commitment to developing baseball and softball in Bhutan.

October: National Expansion and Diplomatic Engagement
BBSA’s annual District Development Tour expanded the sport’s reach to 130 students at three schools in Paro (Khangkhu MSS, Woochu PS, and Olathang PS), focusing on introducing the accessible format of Baseball5.

The month also featured a significant visit from His Excellency Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to India, who engaged with our youth players, threw the ceremonial first pitch, and pledged support for BBSA’s future endeavors in the US.

November: Generous Donations and a Historic MoU
Generosity flowed from Japan as Mr. Kawasaki Kentaro facilitated a generous donation of rubber baseballs from Nagase Kenko. A group of ladies from the US, led by Mrs. Robin of Stepping Our Adventures, also donated softball equipment.

A landmark moment occurred on November 11th as the BOC and the Ministry of Education and Skill Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote sports in schools, a move BBSA’s Vice President and General Secretary were honored to witness.

In a fitting tribute to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) and the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today. This landmark agreement establishes a shared commitment to promote sports and physical activity across all schools, nurturing the physical fitness and wellbeing of Bhutanese youth.
Image Courtesy of: Bhutan Olympic Committee

December: Closing the Year with Education and Training
BBSA’s Youth Development Head, Mr. Bishnu Lal Chamlagai, attended the 27th Softball Asia Congress in Malaysia, building vital relationships for Bhutan’s future.

In a fantastic step forward, BBSA, in collaboration with the WBSC, launched its first-ever Baseball5 Coaching Course in Thimphu. Fifteen participants were certified by WBSC-provided coach Andrea, spreading the knowledge of this exciting new discipline.

The year concluded as it began: with dedicated athletes training hard. A development camp for U12, U15, and U18 national players ran through December, while two of BBSA’s scholarship recipients, Ugyen Pelzang and Rinzin Nima, attended an Advanced Entrepreneurship Course hosted by the Athlete Commission, preparing them for success beyond the diamond.

Looking Forward
The Bhutan Baseball and Softball Association extends its deepest gratitude to all our partners including the Bhutan Olympic Committee, World Baseball Softball Confederation, The Asia Foundation, Global Sports Partners, Hudson Valley Renegades, MyBhutan, and the Expert Bhutan and to our dedicated coaches, volunteers, and passionate players. The foundation laid in 2024 promises an even brighter future for baseball and softball in the Dragon Kingdom in 2025 and beyond.

BBSA SUPPORT PARTNERS OF 2024