Paro FC Women are set to embark on an exciting new chapter as they kick off their 2025 Women’s National League campaign under the newly appointed head coach, Gopal Rai. The team will face Samtse Women FC on 21 May at 4 PM at the Samtse Artificial Turf, marking Coach Gopal’s debut at the helm. Backed by his impressive grassroots record and experience as assistant coach to the senior men’s team of Paro FC, Coach Gopal brings a fresh, positive mindset and unwavering belief in his squad’s potential. Gopal Rai: A Proven Grassroots Leader Gopal Rai is no stranger to football excellence. Recognized as the Best Grassroots Football Coach by the Bhutan Football Federation in 2022, he has accumulated over 1,000 hours of active coaching and has played a pivotal role in nurturing young talent at Paro Football Academy. His commitment to developing players both technically and mentally has helped establish Paro FC as a powerhouse in Bhutanese football. “I am very confident about my squad. The girls have shown tremendous dedication in training, and I believe we are ready to compete at the highest level,” Coach Gopal shared in a recent interview. His approach focuses on empowering players, fostering creativity, and instilling a love for the game-a philosophy that aligns perfectly with Paro FC’s mission to help every player realize their potential on and off the pitch. Gopal has injected a renewed sense of optimism into the team. Players have responded enthusiastically to his innovative, game-based training sessions, which emphasize teamwork, decision-making, and individual responsibility. Indirectly echoing his confidence, a senior player commented, “Coach Gopal always encourages us to push beyond our limits. His belief in us makes us believe in ourselves.” Looking Ahead Gopal Rai’s debut as head coach is not just a personal milestone but a testament to Paro FC’s commitment to promoting homegrown talent and empowering women in sports. The club’s recent accolades-including multiple grassroots and leadership awards-reflect a broader culture of excellence and innovation that Coach Gopal now brings to the senior women’s team. The upcoming clash against Samtse Women FC is more than just a fixture; it is the beginning of a new era, with Coach Gopal and his squad determined to make a statement in the 2025 season. As Paro FC Women step onto the pitch in Samtse, all eyes will be on Coach Gopal Rai and his team. With confidence, unity, and a clear vision, they are ready to inspire fans and set new standards for women’s football in Bhutan. Let’s rally behind our team and Coach Gopal as they begin this exciting journey
Guarding the Goal: Gyeltshen Zangpo’s Determination Ahead of Paro FC’s Clash with Tsirang FC
As Paro FC prepares for a crucial away match against Tsirang FC, we sit down with Gyeltshen Zangpo, the team’s steadfast goalkeeper, to discuss his mindset, preparations, and aspirations for a clean sheet on May 21st at Tsirang Artificial Turf. Interview with Gyeltshen Zangpo: Q1: Gyeltshen, how are you feeling ahead of the big match against Tsirang FC? Gyeltshen: I’m feeling confident and focused. Every match is important, but playing away always brings extra challenges. I’ve been working hard in training, and I am determined to help my team with a strong performance. Q2: What does keeping a clean sheet mean to you as a goalkeeper? Gyeltshen: A clean sheet is everything for a goalkeeper. It’s not just about my performance, but also about teamwork and discipline. It gives the whole team a boost and shows that we can rely on each other defensively. Q3: How do you prepare yourself mentally and physically for a high-stakes match like this? Gyeltshen: Preparation starts long before match day. Physically, I focus on my agility, reflexes, and communication with the defenders. Mentally, I visualize different game scenarios and remind myself to stay calm and composed, no matter the situation. Q4: What message do you have for your teammates and Paro FC fans? Gyeltshen: To my teammates, let’s stay united and fight for every ball. To our fans, thank you for your support- it means a lot to us. We’ll give our best to make you proud and hopefully come back with a clean sheet and three points! Stay tuned for more updates and exclusive interviews as Paro FC continues its journey this season
The Inspiring Journey of Karma Chetrim, Paro FC and Bhutan National Team Defender
One name stands out when you think of Bhutanese football’s promising future: Karma Chetrim. Born on February 20, 2003, in Samtse, Bhutan, Karma’s journey from a football-loving youngster to a central defender for Paro FC and the national team is a testament to passion, hard work, and family support. Early Life and Inspiration Karma grew up in a supportive family environment where football was more than just a pastime. His older brother, a footballer himself, became Karma’s first role model and inspiration. Watching his brother attend the boys’ football academy sparked a dream in young Karma to follow in his footsteps and make his mark on the pitch. “My brother inspired me. He went to the boys’ football academy, and ever since then, I wanted to join him and play seriously.” International stars also fuelled Karma’s ambition. He admired defenders like Sergio Ramos, whose leadership and tenacity became guiding examples for his own game. The Path to Professional Football Karma’s serious football journey began in 2015 when he joined the boys’ football academy. This period was crucial for his development, instilling discipline and a competitive spirit. From 2015 to 2019, the academy became his second home, shaping his skills and mindset. Afterward, Karma joined Ugyen Academy, where he spent four formative years. The environment was challenging but rewarding, pushing him to grow as a player and a person. The experience and training he received there laid the foundation for his leap into professional football. Joining Paro FC: A New Chapter In 2023, Karma took the next big step by signing with Paro FC. The decision was driven by his desire to play alongside experienced players and to be part of a club known for its professionalism and organization. “I wanted to play alongside senior players and was drawn to how professional and organized the club was.” As a center defender, Karma relishes the responsibility of reading the game, organizing the backline, and making crucial tackles- traits that have made him a reliable presence on the field. Career Highlights and Overcoming Challenges Among Karma’s most memorable moments is a special match with Kesuki Honda, which offered invaluable lessons and experience. But his proudest achievement so far has been winning the title with Paro FC and qualifying for the AFC Challenge League, which he considers a milestone that marked the club’s and his progress. Like many athletes, Karma has faced setbacks, including injuries. However, his determination to recover and return stronger has defined his approach to challenges. “I stayed focused on recovery and worked hard to return stronger.” Preparation, both mental and physical, is key to Karma’s performance. Visualization, positive self-talk, and rigorous training routines keep him ready for every match. National Team Pride and Future Ambitions Karma made his debut for the Bhutan national team in 2021, which is a moment of immense pride for him and his family. Representing his country on the international stage is a responsibility he cherishes deeply. Looking ahead, he is determined to help Paro FC achieve greater success in AFC competitions and to remain a consistent contributor to the national team. Balancing football with personal life, he credits discipline and effective time management for keeping him grounded. For young footballers in Bhutan, Karma’s advice is simple but powerful: “Work hard, stay humble, and trust the process- success comes with dedication.” Karma Chetrim’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and inspiration. As he continues to rise in Bhutanese football, his journey serves as a beacon for aspiring athletes across the country-proof that with passion and perseverance, dreams can become reality
Evans Asante: Paro FC’s Ghanaian Forward Making His Mark
A New Chapter in Bhutanese Football When Paro FC announced the signing of Evans Asante, excitement rippled through the club’s supporters. The Ghanaian forward brought with him not just international experience, but a proven track record as a goal scorer and a player with a passion for the game that matches Paro FC’s ambitions. Journey to Paro FC Evans Asante’s football journey is both inspiring and global. Before joining Paro FC, Asante played for Defenders FC in Sri Lanka, where he faced Paro FC in the AFC Cup. His performances in the Sri Lanka Premier League were outstanding, as he was twice the league’s top scorer and received four MVP nominations. These accolades underline his ability to make a difference on the pitch and his knack for rising to big occasions. Adapting to Bhutan and Paro FC Asante’s connection with Bhutan began in 2020, when he played an AFC Cup match in the country. The warm atmosphere and football culture left a lasting impression on him. Upon his return, Asante expressed his happiness, saying, “I’m already loving the club and Bhutan – really happy that I chose to come to this beautiful country.” His enthusiasm and commitment are evident both on and off the field, making him a fan favourite. On the Pitch: Stats and Impact Since joining Paro FC, Asante has consistently been in the squad. In the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he made a combined 30 appearances, contributing to the team’s attacking play. While his goal tally may not reflect his full impact, Asante’s movement, work rate, and experience have been vital in creating opportunities and supporting his teammates. Looking Ahead With AFC Cup challenges and domestic ambitions ahead, Paro FC fans have every reason to be optimistic about Evans Asante’s influence. His international pedigree, hunger for success, and positive attitude make him a key figure as Paro FC continues its quest for silverware and regional recognition. In His Own Words “I’m already loving the club and Bhutan – really happy that I chose to come to this beautiful country.” – Evans Asante Asante’s journey with Paro FC is just beginning, but his dedication and talent promise many memorable moments for the Tigers and their supporters.
Paro Football Club introduces its new ground in Thimphu
Paro Football Club aims to enhance its academy in Thimphu, introducing an Astro turf football ground at Ramtokto. The new facility signifies Paro FC’s commitment in promoting football in Bhutan. Club President Karma Jigme expresses excitement about relocating the Thimphu Academy to these dedicated facilities, aiming to replicate the success achieved at Woochu Sports Arena. Technical Director/Coach Puspa Lal highlights that the expansion will allow more training sessions, tournaments, and friendly matches, reinforcing their commitment to football excellence in the region.The ground will be leased for various activities, including leisure matches, local tournaments, and training, in addition to running Paro Football Academy. Parents seeking top-notch facilities and quality training in Thimphu are encouraged to consider enrolling their children in Paro Football Academy. The club plans to organize a Junior league for grassroots players and a community league for youth players as they work together to shape the future of Bhutanese football.
Paro FC Clinches BoB Bhutan Premier League 2023 Title in Dominant Fashion
Paro FC secured the BoB Bhutan Premier League (BPL) 2023 title, claiming a cash prize of Nu 2.4 million at Woochu Sports Arena in Paro on December 9. This marked Paro’s consecutive championship and fourth since the club’s 2018 inception. Puspa Lal Sharma, Paro FC’s coach, received the Best Coach award for the BPL 2023 season, achieving this honor for the third consecutive time in seasons 2021, 2022, and 2023. Paro FC maintained an unbeaten run for two seasons but suffered a 1-2 loss in the final match against Transport Utd FC, who needed a win to secure third place. Paro FC accumulated 49 points, seven ahead of second-placed Thimphu City FC. They scored 79 goals and conceded only 14, the least in the BPL 2023 season. In the decisive match, Transport, with 34 points, triumphed, earning Nu 650,000, while RTC FC secured Nu 350,000. Despite setbacks, Transport provided strong competition to Paro throughout the season. The success of Paro FC is attributed to hard work, team spirit, a positive attitude, and support from the club’s management. AWARD SUMMARY: BPL Champion 2023: Paro FCBest Coach: Puspalal Sharma, Paro FCGolden Boot: Armand Beadoum, Thimphu City FCMVP: Armand Beadoum, Thimphu City FCGolden Gloves: Yuya Kuriyama, Thimphu City FCYoung Emerging Player: Chimmi Dorji, Ugyen Academy FC
Paro Football Academy continues to shine on the Bhutanese football stage.
PARO FOOTBALL ACADEMY continues to shine on the Bhutanese football stage, securing multiple accolades at the 2023 Bhutan Football Federation Awards. The prestigious ceremony saw the academy claim top honors, reaffirming its status as a powerhouse in grassroots football development. In a triumphant repeat of 2022, Paro Football Academy emerged victorious across various categories, with the Bhutan Football Federation recognizing Paro Football Academy as the Best Grassroots Football Club (2023), Best Grassroots Football Project (2023), and Best Grassroots Football Volunteers (2023). Puspa Lal Sharma’s exemplary leadership earned him the title of Best Grassroots Football Leader (2023), while parents associated with the academy were celebrated as the Best Grassroots Football Parents (2023). This success follows a remarkable streak for Paro Football Academy, building on their 2022 achievements where Karma Jigme, the Club President, was honored as the Best Grassroots Football Leader (2022), and Gopal Rai secured the title of Best Grassroots Football Coach (2022). The academy’s commitment to nurturing talent from the grassroots level has made them a consistent winner, as evidenced by their recognition as the Best Grassroots Football Club (2022) and Best Grassroots Football Project (2022) in that year. The international football community also took notice in 2019 when the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) bestowed upon Paro Football Academy the title of Best Grassroots Club, acknowledging their exceptional contributions to grassroots football development. This ongoing success highlights the academy’s dedication to fostering football talent at its roots and reinforces its position as a leader in football development in Bhutan. Paro Football Academy Awards Category 2023 1)Best Grassroots Football Club of the Year 2)Best Grassroots Football Project of the Year 3)Puspa Lal Sharma: Best Grassroots Football Leader (Club) of the Year 4)Sangay Duba: Best Grassroots Football Parent of the Year 5)Volunteers: Best Grassroots Football Volunteers of the Year
Swiss Friends meet Coach Puspa
Swiss Friends meet Coach Push Lal of Paro FC. Mr. Claudio Zingg, President of the Society Switzerland-Bhutan, and his wife Marianne Frey, along with their friends, had an engaging discussion with Coach Puspalal Sharma of Paro FC. During the dinner meetup, they celebrated some of Paro FC’s remarkable achievements, from nurturing local talent to fostering a strong footballing spirit in Bhutan. We also explored various avenues of support for our youth programs, which are vital for the club’s growth. Together, we are paving the way for the next generation of football stars! We’re excited about the prospects that lie ahead and deeply appreciate the commitment and collaboration with our Swiss friends. Please follow Paro FC social media for more exciting updates as we continue this fantastic journey with Paro FC!
KINGA WANGCHUK: Beyond the Jersey No 11
In 2015, at the age of 13, Kunga earned a spot in the BFF Academy from Sonamgang Middle Secondary School, Phuntsholing. His five-year journey at the BFF Academy, spanning from ages 13 to 18, laid the foundation for his football career. Family Support: Raised among four siblings, Kunga’s father is employed at RICBL, while his mother dedicates her time as a full-time housewife. Supported by both parents, Kunga faced no family pressure in pursuing his football career, ultimately deciding to drop out of 12th grade and become a full-time footballer. Football Career: Following a year with UA in 2020, Kunga joined Transport Utd FC for two seasons, participating in the AFC Cup 2019 with the same team. His notable contributions continued as he featured twice in the AFC Cup with Paro FC in 2022 and 2023. Kunga’s interest in Paro FC stems from more than their championship status. He cites top-notch training facilities as a catalyst for joining Paro FC, contributes his improvement to the facilities, and highlights the competitive nature of Paro FC, which propels him to push harder while enjoying the encouragement from his high-caliber teammates. National Team Debut: Making his national team debut in the 2023 SAFF Championship, Kunga expresses joy in representing his country, demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice and consistently improve. Role Model and Inspiration: Expressing a desire for a career surpassing that of Kazuo’s, Kunga looks up to Kazuo Homma for his professionalism. He admires Kazuo’s holistic approach, encompassing diet, work ethic, self-care, and adept handling of game pressure. Personal Philosophy: For Kunga, honesty and self-commitment form the cornerstone of continuous improvement. Being part of a professional team like Paro FC provides the platform for him to strive for excellence in his football journey.
Historic Launch of Pickleball in Bhutan at Woochu Sports Arena
On the 3rd of September, 2023, history was made in the kingdom of Bhutan as the country celebrated the official launch of Pickleball, a sport previously unknown in the region. The historic event took place at the Woochu Sports Arena, which has long been the home of the Paro Football Club and now proudly stands as the epicenter of Pickleball in Bhutan. This momentous achievement was made possible through the unwavering dedication and generosity of a group of volunteers from the United States who contributed nearly USD 47,300. This substantial funding was used to construct three state-of-the-art Pickleball courts at the Woochu Sports Arena, bringing a new dimension of sporting opportunities to the people of Bhutan. Additionally, two existing courts at Dechencholing Higher Secondary School will be resurfaced with asphalt, and a new concrete court was built at Talakha Goenpa as part of the initiative. The grand opening ceremony and the launch of Pickleball were graced by the presence of the Lam Neten of Paro, adding a touch of tradition and cultural significance to the proceedings. The introduction of Pickleball in Bhutan marks a significant milestone in the country’s sporting history. This sport, which is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States, is set to bring numerous benefits to the Bhutanese community. With its simple rules and accessibility to players of all ages, Pickleball is expected to foster physical activity, recreation, and community engagement. ” We will popularize the sports within the district first, and bring in many players to train. And once we have enough players and participants then we will organize tournaments” Says Karma Jigme, President of Paro FC. As part of the launch, a comprehensive training and certification program for coaches is conducted in collaboration with Paro College of Education and Royal Thimphu College. Kathleen, the force behind this transformative project in Bhutan, expressed her belief in Pickleball’s potential to connect people and make a positive difference in the lives of Bhutanese children. Mr. Karma Jigme, President of Paro Football Club, expressed his profound gratitude to the volunteers from the United States for their support. He underscored the vast potential of Pickleball in Bhutan, emphasizing that this versatile game can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages, bridging generational gaps and promoting a healthier lifestyle. As Pickleball takes its first steps in Bhutan, the nation eagerly anticipates a future filled with sportsmanship, camaraderie, and physical well-being. The launch of Pickleball is set to carve a lasting legacy in Bhutan’s sports culture.