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

Paro FC’s remarkable journey from dominating the Bank of Bhutan (BoB) Bhutan Premier League to competing in the AFC Challenge League group stage is not just a success story for the club, but a defining moment for Bhutanese football as a whole. With Bhutan’s football scene still developing, Paro FC’s achievements offer hope, inspire pride, and underscore the potential of Bhutanese football on the Asian stage. The Path to the AFC Challenge League Paro FC has established itself as a force in Bhutanese football. Over recent seasons, the team has consistently performed at the top of the BoB Bhutan Premier League, claiming multiple league titles and cementing its place as Bhutan’s premier club. This domestic success earned Paro FC the chance to compete in the AFC Challenge League qualifiers, where the club proved it could hold its own against clubs with far greater resources and experience.   Their qualification for the group stage, a first for any Bhutanese club, put Paro FC on the map and made history as they became the only club from Bhutan to compete at this level. Competing Against Giants: The Group Stage Matches Playing in the AFC Challenge League group stage meant facing clubs with established reputations and vast fan followings. Paro FC was placed in a challenging group with East Bengal FC from India, Nejmeh Sporting Club from Lebanon, and Bashundhara Kings FC from Bangladesh. These clubs come from countries with rich football cultures, seasoned professionals, and extensive football infrastructures—quite the contrast to the relatively young football scene in Bhutan.   Yet, Paro FC rose to the occasion:   1. Against East Bengal FC: The match with one of India’s oldest and most famous clubs was a testament to Paro FC’s resilience and skill. Paro FC held East Bengal to a thrilling 2-2 draw, an impressive feat against a club with a massive fan base and significant resources. This result sent a clear message that Paro FC was not just participating but competing.   2. Against Nejmeh Sporting Club: In their next match, Paro FC took on Lebanon’s Nejmeh Sporting Club. Despite a hard-fought game, Paro FC narrowly lost 1-2, showing both the strength of their opponents and the growth of Bhutanese football in challenging such teams.   3. Against Bashundhara Kings FC: Paro FC capped off the group stage with a stunning 2-1 victory over Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings, a team with a strong reputation in South Asian football. This victory demonstrated Paro FC’s tenacity, strategic skill, and capacity to deliver under pressure. It was a proud moment for Bhutan, underscoring that Bhutanese football could compete and succeed at the continental level.   The Importance of the AFC Challenge League for Bhutanese Football This journey through the AFC Challenge League is a monumental achievement for Paro FC and a significant milestone for Bhutanese football. For a country where football is still emerging as a popular sport, competing at this level inspires youth, draws attention to Bhutan’s potential in football, and showcases Bhutanese talent to the broader Asian football community.   The benefits of such an experience are manifold:   1. Raising the Profile of Bhutanese Football: Paro FC’s performance in the AFC Challenge League brings greater visibility to Bhutanese football and introduces Bhutanese talent to an international audience. This exposure could open doors for Bhutanese players, coaches, and clubs to connect with other professional teams, fostering collaborations that could enhance the local game.   2. Setting a Benchmark for Other Bhutanese Clubs: Paro FC’s achievements provide a benchmark for other Bhutanese clubs, setting a standard of ambition and resilience. The club’s success demonstrates that with strategic planning, commitment, and the right support, Bhutanese clubs can compete on the Asian stage.   3. Boosting Tourism and International Engagement: Hosting international clubs like East Bengal, Nejmeh SC, and Bashundhara Kings in Bhutan would attract football fans from neighboring countries, boosting local tourism and providing international exposure to Bhutan’s unique cultural and natural beauty. The experience of international tournaments also highlights Bhutan’s potential as a destination for sports tourism, adding a new dimension to the country’s offerings.   4. Economic and Social Impact: Hosting and competing in international tournaments generates economic activity through tourism, sponsorships, and media coverage. Additionally, the pride and joy that fans feel in supporting their national team has social benefits, creating a sense of unity and national pride that goes beyond football. A Vision for the Future Paro FC’s journey is just the beginning. Competing in the AFC Challenge League group stage lays a foundation for future Bhutanese clubs to reach even higher. It highlights the importance of infrastructure investment, talent development, and stronger domestic leagues that can consistently produce clubs capable of competing internationally. By focusing on grassroots football and youth academies, Bhutan can foster a new generation of players with the skills and ambition to succeed on the Asian and global stage.   For Paro FC, this journey reflects the club’s values of resilience, determination, and pride in representing Bhutan. With continued support and investment, Paro FC and Bhutanese football as a whole can inspire a new generation of athletes, contribute to Bhutan’s sporting legacy, and pave the way for even greater achievements in the years to come.

PARO FC STARTING XI Paro FC faced off against Church Boys United at Dashrath Stadium, Kathmandu, Nepal on 13th August. Keisuke Honda #4 captained the team for this crucial match with Coach Puspalal Sharma. Church Boys United was led by captain Ananta Tamang #4 along with Coach Bal Gopal Maharjan. Church Boys United took the lead with an assist from Moses Twum #7 to Lakhen Limbu #10 who scored a header in the 38th minute during the first half. Paro FC was able to equalize immediately in the 40th minute when Goalkeeper Deep Karki #22 couldn’t intercept a cross from Marco Ivanovic #23, the ball connected with Kinga Wangchuk #11 who executed a precise finish to level the playing field. This goal ensured that both teams were level heading into the second half. GOAL SCORERS Kinga Wangchuk #11 – 40′ William Opoku Asiedu #42 – 66′ As the second half started, the two teams were fighting to gain the upper hand. An opportunity arose at the 66th minute when William Opoku Asiedu #42 gained possession of the ball, he capitalized on the moment and scored a goal into the bottom left corner of the net. This broke the deadlock and put Paro FC in the lead. In the remaining time after the goal, there were numerous opportunities created by both teams but none translated into a goal.  The win over Church Boys United is a huge achievement and a significant step towards world football for Paro FC and Bhutanese Football. Even with harsh pitch conditions and a new team composition, Paro FC was able to secure the win. Keisuke Honda set out on a mission and it was accomplished, his input and inspiration surely helped the team perform better. Both Paro FC President Karma Jigme and Coach Pusplal voiced their appreciation and gratitude for the players and all the supporters whose efforts allowed Paro FC this remarkable achievement.

Paro FC is thrilled to announce the exciting addition of Keisuke Honda, the renowned Japanese football star, to our team for the upcoming AFC Challenge Cup playoffs. Honda’s arrival represents a monumental moment for our club, symbolizing our ambition to compete at the highest levels of football. Having a player of Honda’s caliber join us is not only a tremendous honor but also a significant opportunity for growth and development. His wealth of experience and expertise, having played not only for Japan’s national team but also renowned clubs such as AC Milan, will undoubtedly elevate our performance on the field and inspire our players to reach new heights.     Honda’s decision to join Paro FC underscores our commitment to fostering excellence and promoting football in Bhutan. We believe his presence will not only strengthen our squad but also serve as a catalyst for the advancement of football across the country. We look forward to showcasing our progress and competing with determination in the AFC Challenge Cup playoffs alongside Keisuke Honda.   Paro FC is honored to present our jersey number 4 to the legendary Keisuke Honda. This gesture symbolizes our deep respect and excitement for having a player of his stature join our team. The Paro FC Board of Directors is proud to officially hand over the jersey, marking the beginning of a remarkable chapter for both Paro FC and Bhutanese football.     Keisuke Honda has joined Paro FC on a one-game contract to feature in the upcoming Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge League match against Nepal’s Church Boys United on August 13. By joining Paro FC after a two-year break from professional football, it marks Honda’s appearance in various clubs in 10 countries so far. Having featured in 90 international games representing Japan’s national team between 2008 and 2018, Honda’s presence is expected to enhance Paro FC’s squad. He was also part of the squad that won the 2011 Asian Cup and was declared player of the tournament. Some of his notable international appearances include the 2008 Beijing Olympics and three consecutive World Cups: 2010 in South Africa, 2014 in Brazil, and 2018 in Russia. We are eager to see Keisuke Honda bring his experience, skill, and passion to Paro FC, and we look forward to an exciting and successful playoff season.

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 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

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!

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.

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.