BEHIND THE 90 MINUTES: THANKING THE NATION FOR OUR AFC CHALLENGE LEAGUE VICTORY

Winning on the continental stage is a dream every football club strives for. But when the final whistle blew at Changlimithang and the celebrations began, our first feeling was not simply pride—it was profound gratitude.

Because this victory was never just about the 11 players on the pitch.

It was built on the shoulders of an entire community, a nation that stood behind its club, and more than 200 people who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make those 90 minutes possible.

This was Bhutan's victory.

TO OUR 12TH MAN — OUR UNBEATABLE FANS

First and foremost, THANK YOU to our incredible supporters.

To every Paro FC fan, every football lover, and every Bhutanese who filled Changlimithang with a roaring sea of red—and to those who watched from their homes, workplaces and communities across Bhutan and around the world—your energy was extraordinary.

You gave our players that extra push when their legs were tired. You lifted them through every tackle, every sprint, every difficult moment and every goal.

The players heard you.
The team felt you.
This victory belongs to you.

TO THE 200+ UNSUNG HEROES BEHIND THE 90 MINUTES

To the spectator, a football match may last 90 minutes.

But behind those 90 minutes are days and weeks of planning, coordination, preparation and hard work.

More than 200 people worked behind the scenes to ensure that this continental fixture was delivered successfully.

To the Royal Bhutan Police and Desuups, thank you for ensuring security, traffic management and crowd control with professionalism and dedication.

To our medical teams from the Bhutan Football Federation and JDWNRH, thank you for being there to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our players, officials and spectators.

To the BFF Media Team, thank you for capturing the emotion, drama and unforgettable moments and sharing them with Bhutan and the world.

A special appreciation also goes to the Changlimithang Stadium Administration, groundsmen and competition department for their tireless work in preparing the venue, maintaining the playing surface and coordinating the many operational requirements that go into hosting a continental fixture. Much of this work happens quietly and long before the spectators arrive, but it is fundamental to the success of the match.

Our sincere thanks also go to the Referee Department and the dedicated referee liaison officer for ensuring smooth communication and coordination with the match officials throughout the fixture.

To our bus drivers and transportation teams, thank you for ensuring the safe, timely and comfortable movement of players, officials, delegates and staff. From transfers and training sessions to matchday movements, your reliability helped keep the entire operation running smoothly.

To every person who worked behind the scenes—often without recognition, cameras or applause—we see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you.

Every one of you played a part in this victory.

TO OUR MEDIA, INFLUENCERS & DIGITAL CHAMPIONS

To Bhutan's mainstream media—thank you for telling our story.

Your coverage before, during and after the match helped build excitement, informed the public and brought the entire country closer to the team.

To Kuensel, BBS, and all other media houses, journalists, photographers and sports storytellers, thank you for your continued commitment to Bhutanese sport.

And to our celebrities, influencers, content creators and digital champions—thank you for using your platforms to rally the nation.

Every post, video, story and message helped create the atmosphere around this match.

You amplified our voice, and together we created a football fever that reached far beyond the stadium.

TO THE PEOPLE WHO POWERED THE STADIUM

Great sporting events depend on great infrastructure and reliable services.

Our heartfelt thanks to Bhutan Telecom for providing reliable connectivity to support broadcasting, media operations and communications.

To Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC), thank you for ensuring a dependable power supply and keeping Changlimithang illuminated throughout the night.

To Namgay Heritage Hotel, Tashi Namgay Resort, Zerikha, Druk Noryang and Seva Hotel, thank you for providing quality accommodation, catering and logistical support for teams, officials and delegates.

To Druk events, thank you for providing the furniture that supported the smooth running of the occasion.

Your contributions may not always be visible to spectators, but they are essential to the successful delivery of an international fixture.

TO OUR SPONSORS & CORPORATE PARTNERS

To all our sponsors and corporate partners—thank you for believing in Paro FC and believing in Bhutanese football.

Your financial support, resources and confidence in our vision make it possible for a Bhutanese club to compete beyond our borders and create opportunities for our players, coaches and young footballers.

Supporting sport is not simply an investment in a team.

It is an investment in young people, national pride, discipline, ambition and the future of Bhutan.

We are deeply grateful to every partner who continues to walk this journey with us.

TO THE HEARTBEAT OF PARO FC — OUR SQUAD & STAFF

To our Head Coach, Manager, coaching staff, medical team, analysts, technical personnel, logistics team and everyone working within the football department—thank you.

The countless hours of preparation, tactical planning, training, recovery, treatment, analysis and coordination rarely make the headlines.

But they make the difference.

We are equally grateful to the technical professionals and football experts who have supported and guided us from outside Bhutan. Your knowledge and contributions have helped our players and our club grow.

And to our players—

You wore the Paro FC jersey with courage, discipline and pride.

You fought for every ball.

You ran when your legs were tired.

You believed when the pressure was at its highest.

You gave everything you had for the badge and, above all, for Bhutan.

You made the nation proud.

TO OUR FAMILIES, FRIENDS & WELL-WISHERS

Behind every player, coach and member of staff is a family that makes sacrifices the public rarely sees.

To the parents, spouses, children, families, friends and well-wishers of everyone associated with Paro FC—thank you for your patience, encouragement, prayers and unwavering support.

Every victory has many people behind it.

You are part of ours.

TO OUR PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A special word of appreciation goes to our President, Vice President and Board of Directors.

Long before the first whistle, there were difficult decisions to make, resources to mobilise, plans to develop and risks to take.

Your vision, strategic commitment, financial investment and belief in the potential of Paro FC have laid the foundation for the club to compete at the highest level of Bhutanese football and on the continental stage.

Thank you for continuing to believe that a Bhutanese football club can dream bigger.

AND FINALLY… THANK YOU, BHUTAN.

This victory has reminded us of something bigger than football.

When Bhutan comes together, we can create something extraordinary.

From the stands at Changlimithang to villages across the country, from Bhutanese watching at home to our citizens living overseas, your support was felt.

The red shirts, the flags, the chants, the messages and the prayers became one collective voice.

ONE CLUB.
ONE NATION.
ONE MISSION.

This victory is not the destination.

It is another step in our journey to build a stronger Paro FC, develop Bhutanese footballers, inspire the next generation and represent Bhutan with pride on the Asian stage.

We know there is still a long road ahead.

And we hope you will continue to walk it with us.

Thank you, Bhutan.
This victory belongs to all of us.