Royal Audience Honours Bhutan Cricket as BCCB Recognised as National Benchmark for Sports Governance and Excellence
In a landmark moment for Bhutanese sport, His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC), graciously granted a Royal Audience to the Bhutan Cricket family at the Royal Office, recognising the remarkable progress of the Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) and reaffirming cricket’s position as one of the Kingdom’s leading sporting institutions.
The audience was granted to felicitate Mr. Thinley Wangchuk Dorji, President of the BCCB, on receiving the prestigious International Cricket Council (ICC) Long Service Award, honouring his 20 years of dedicated service and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of cricket in Bhutan.
The occasion marked not only a celebration of an individual milestone but also recognition of Bhutan Cricket’s remarkable journey over the past 26 years, from humble beginnings to becoming one of the country’s most respected and professionally governed national sports federations.
During the audience, His Royal Highness acknowledged the BCCB’s sustained commitment to strengthening governance, administration, grassroots participation, high performance programmes and international competitiveness.
His Royal Highness also commended the outstanding achievements of Bhutan’s national teams, recognising several historic milestones that have elevated Bhutan Cricket on the international stage. These included the senior men’s national team’s historic T20I bilateral series clean sweep, a world record bowling performance, and national captain Ngawang Choden’s historic century at the ACC Women’s U19 Premier Cup in Malaysia, the first international century by a Bhutanese cricketer.
Together, these achievements reflect the steady progress of Bhutan Cricket and the collective efforts of players, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters who have contributed to the sport’s continued growth.
A key highlight of the audience was His Royal Highness’ vision for the future of sport in Bhutan.
Under the Bhutan Olympic Committee’s evolving national sports ecosystem, federations are expected to uphold the highest standards of governance, transparency, athlete development, certified coaching pathways and long term institutional sustainability.
His Royal Highness noted that the Bhutan Cricket Council Board and the Bhutan Football Federation currently exemplify these standards, recognising their governance structures and operational systems as benchmarks for other sporting organisations across the Kingdom.
The recognition places Bhutan Cricket among the country’s leading sporting institutions and reflects years of sustained investment in sound governance, strategic planning and organisational development.
His Royal Highness also outlined several national initiatives designed to strengthen Bhutan’s sporting ecosystem, including the establishment of Bhutan Sports Ventures Limited, the development of a unified national sports calendar, and the introduction of the National Games to expand participation and nurture talent across every dzongkhag.
As part of this broader vision, the BCCB has been encouraged to share its experience and best practices with other national sports federations, contributing to stronger governance, effective administration and sustainable organisational growth throughout Bhutan’s sporting community.
His Royal Highness further highlighted the landmark GMC Cricket Infrastructure Project as the largest investment in cricket infrastructure in Bhutan’s history, recognising its significance in supporting the long term development of the sport and strengthening Bhutan’s sporting ambitions.
“We are deeply humbled and immensely honoured by the trust and recognition bestowed upon Bhutan Cricket by His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck,” said the BCCB Executive Management.
“The ICC Long Service Award is a tribute to every player, coach, official, volunteer, partner and supporter who has contributed to the growth of cricket in Bhutan over the past two decades. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Royal Highness and the Bhutan Olympic Committee for their unwavering guidance and support. Being recognised as a model for sports governance is both an honour and a responsibility, and we remain committed to advancing cricket while contributing to the continued development of sport across the Kingdom.”
As Bhutan enters a new era of sporting development, the Royal recognition serves as both an affirmation of Bhutan Cricket’s 26 year journey and a call to continue raising standards on and off the field.
The Bhutan Cricket Council Board congratulates its President, Mr. Thinley Wangchuk Dorji, on receiving the ICC Long Service Award and reaffirms its commitment to strengthening governance, expanding opportunities for future generations, and representing Bhutan with pride on the international stage.