STORIES OF BHUTAN CRICKET
Her Journey with Cricket: A Story of Courage and Commitment
Her journey with cricket began in 2006, at a time when the sport was still in its infancy in Bhutan, little known, lightly resourced, and largely unexplored. Deki Yangzom, 49, hails from Phongmey village in Trashigang and serves as a teacher at Dechencholing Higher Secondary School. She has dedicated more than two decades to serving the nation through education and sport.
She joined the teaching profession in 2001, marking the beginning of a career that would go on to shape not only classrooms, but also the foundations of cricket development in Bhutan. Her introduction to cricket came through her sports head, Mr. Sangay Rinzin. Stepping into this unfamiliar arena as the only female sports teacher was both inspiring and intimidating, but it marked the beginning of a lifelong mission.
Born into a family rooted in service and sport, Deki Yangzom is the daughter of the late Lobzang, a former police officer, and Yeshi Dema. She is the eldest among four siblings, with two younger sisters and a brother. Sporting excellence runs in the family, her sister Tshering Choden is a former national archer, and her brother Rinzen Chophel is also a former archer, reflecting a strong tradition of representing Bhutan in sport.
Cricket in Bhutan had limited infrastructure, few trained professionals, and minimal public awareness. Yet, where others saw uncertainty, she saw possibility. She believed that even the longest innings begins with a single ball, and she was willing to bowl that first delivery.
As a single mother of two, balancing family responsibilities with her growing commitment to cricket was never easy. Coaching required long hours after school, often sacrificing personal comfort, rest, and time with family. There were moments of doubt, fatigue, and emotional strain. But her mother’s unwavering support became her pillar of strength. That foundation of family encouragement shaped her resilience and became a cornerstone of her journey.
In 2007, despite starting with very limited knowledge of the game, she committed herself to learning. With guidance from BCCB coaches, she trained her students with discipline and passion, often studying the game late into the night to stay a step ahead. That same year, nine players from Dechencholing Middle Secondary School were selected to represent Bhutan, a proud milestone and one of the most unforgettable moments of her life.
To inspire other female cricketers, she did not limit herself to coaching. She stepped onto the field as a player and led as a team captain, proving that leadership is not just about instructions but about action. Her presence on the field sent a powerful message that women belong in cricket as players, leaders, and pioneers.
In 2008, determined to deepen her expertise, she attended an umpiring and scoring workshop in Malaysia. Competing alongside participants from 37 countries, she secured fourth place, an achievement that boosted both her technical knowledge and confidence.
By 2009, she began serving as an official in school tournaments and conducting workshops for players and coaches, particularly in scoring. Sharing knowledge became central to her mission. She believed that building cricket in Bhutan was not just about producing players, but about creating a system of officials, coaches, administrators, and educators who would sustain the game for generations.
Over the years, she contributed to BCCB in many roles, including manager, school coach, scorer, board member, district coordinator, and part of the team framing cricket development rules. Each role reflected her deep commitment to shaping the future of cricket in Bhutan.
Reflecting on her decades in sport, she shared how cricket transformed her life beyond the field.
“Being in sports, I became mentally and physically strong. Whatever I did made my life much easier,” she said. The discipline, confidence, and resilience she gained through sport shaped her as a teacher, a mother, and a leader.
Her journey demanded resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. Cricket taught her perseverance and patience. Just like in a match, setbacks were temporary; what mattered was staying focused until the final ball.
“I didn’t waste my 20 years contributing to Bhutan cricket. All the players who started with me still look up to me. That is a story I will cherish forever in my life,” she reflected with pride.
For her, the greatest achievement was never trophies or titles, but the generations of players who still call her their mentor.
Today, as cricket continues to grow across Bhutan, her contributions remain woven into its foundation. Her journey was never just about playing or coaching. It was about breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and inspiring the next generation of girls to step confidently onto the field.
Many players she once coached now serve as officials and coaches within BCCB, carrying forward the legacy she helped build. Even today, she continues to coach her school team, which remains one of the most successful among Thromde schools, winning multiple trophies over the years.
Her story is a reminder that pioneers do not always stand in stadiums under floodlights. Sometimes, they stand on school grounds, teaching the first grip, explaining the first rule, and believing in students before anyone else does.
Her journey is a testament to courage, commitment, and the power of believing in yourself, even when the field seems empty and the first ball has yet to be bowled.
