It’s important for every football team to have a strong team captain, someone who can organize the team on the field, inspire their teammates to give that little bit more, and lead the players when times get tough. Kinley Wangchuk has never failed to lead the team and has set an example for many footballers to be inspired by. Kinley has returned to Paro FC training for the first time since meniscus surgery after the end of 2022 BPL season. The Captain aims to be back for the start of season, but a comeback won’t be rushed says Coach Puspalal. Kinley completed a series of drills with the team and rehabilitation by National Team Physiotherapist (Dept Head) , Mr Sonam.  Here’s what Kinley feels about Paro FC, Captaincy, and Bhutanese football in general.  Q1: After a strong season last year, what is your outlook for this year’s Paro FC team? Ans:It is always difficult to maintain the same form every year, but we have a very good squad and have added some new players to the team. So, I expect us to go into the season with the same enthusiasm and passion, and try to replicate what we did last season. Q2: You have dealt with some adversity and setbacks recently; how have you dealt with them, and in what ways do you continue to support and lead the team? Ans: As a sports person, you are bound to have injuries, and it has been no different for me. I recently had surgery on my knee (meniscus injury), which was a major setback. The only way to deal with it is to keep a positive attitude and recover well. Even though I am not with the team as I am recovering, I try to talk with my teammates and keep them motivated. Q3: Which game on the schedule are you looking forward to the most? What does the offense need to do to win this game? Ans: Every game will be important for us, but I am looking forward to the games against the big teams from Thimphu. I am sure our coach might have already planned everything, but I don’t think we need to do anything differently because we were the best offensive team last season. Q4: How does this year’s offense compare to recent years? Does this unit have the potential to be special? Ans: We almost have the same attacking players we had last season, and even though some players left the club, we have replaced them with equally talented and competent players. If we continue working hard every single day and realize what it means to play for Paro FC, then we will have a fantastic season. Q5: You have been captaining Paro FC for many years. In your perspective, what are the important characteristics required to be a good football captain? Ans: To become a good captain, you should always be ready to take a lot of the blame when things are not going well for the team, and then come up with different solutions and ideas to get out of that situation. Q6: How do you manage your football responsibilities and other outside recreational and non-recreational activities? Ans: If you know what’s important for you in your life, then I think everything becomes a lot easier to manage. Q7: What are your preferred pre-game, locker room, and post-game routines? Ans: I don’t have any preferred routines as such. All I do is try to stay calm and not think too much about the game, which helps me avoid unnecessary stress. Q8: In your opinion, on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate Bhutanese football in the SAARC region? Ans: If I were to rate Bhutanese football, I would give us a 5. We have made a lot of progress in the last 6 or 7 years, but we still have a long road ahead if we want to compete equally against the best teams from the region. Q9: Which area needs focus/priority to take Bhutanese football to the next level in the SAARC region? Ans: I think investing in grassroots and nurturing young talents should be one of our priorities. Q10: What are your future plans after retiring from football? Ans: Retirement is something I am not thinking of at the moment. I feel I can still contribute to my team, whether it’s for Paro FC or the national team. But definitely, I would love to still be a part of football once. Coach Puspalal sounds optimistic with Kinley’s pace of recovery and hoping to see him start soon. Kinley too feels that the BPL 2023 season will be no different for him. Meanwhile the Captain has extended his contract with Paro FC till the end of 2024.       

Paro FC, has welcomed back the formidable defensive player from Cameroon, Stephane Dang, for the 2023 season. This marks Dang’s third season with Paro FC, and his return has been greeted with enthusiasm by both his teammates and fans. Known for his physical presence  and crucial contributions in the defensive midfield position, Dang’s presence on the field has proven instrumental in the team’s success in previous seasons. With his unwavering commitment and passion for the game, Dang is determined to give his all and continue making a significant impact in the upcoming season. Throughout his tenure with Paro FC, Stephane Dang has established himself as a vital asset to the team’s defensive line. His ability to anticipate plays, read the game, and make crucial interceptions has been integral to Paro FC’s success in thwarting opponents’ attacks. Dang’s exceptional defensive skills, combined with his composure and tactical awareness, have made him a formidable force on the field. His contributions extend beyond his defensive capabilities, as he often initiates counter-attacks with precise long-range passes and provides valuable support to the team’s attacking efforts. Having spent two successful seasons with Paro FC, Stephane Dang has developed a strong bond with the team and the country of Bhutan. He expresses his delight at being called back by Paro FC for another season, emphasizing his gratitude for the opportunity. Dang’s fondness for Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and the warmth of its people adds an extra layer of enthusiasm to his return. With a renewed sense of purpose, he is eager to contribute to the team’s success and continue building upon the achievements of previous seasons. Dang’s return to Paro FC for the 2023 season has generated a wave of excitement among fans and teammates alike. As a key player in the defensive midfield position, Dang brings a sense of stability and confidence to Paro FC’s defensive line.

Exciting news for Paro FC fans! The club has announced the signing of Evan Asante, a talented forward from Ghana. Evan previously played against Paro FC in the AFC Cup for Defenders FC of Sri Lanka. He has already played three times in the AFC Cup during his time in Sri Lanka and will surely prove to be an asset when Paro FC faces Machhindra FC from Nepal in the upcoming AFC Cup. Evan has admired the club’s style of play and has been eager to be a part of it. With a burning desire to succeed, Evan is determined to give his all and contribute his best to the team. Fans can look forward to witnessing his prolific skills on the field as Paro FC aims for continued success. Evan was in Bhutan in 2020 to play an AFC Cup match, and he enjoyed the atmosphere in Bhutan since then. Now he is back in Bhutan, saying, “I’m already loving the club and Bhutan – really happy that I chose to come to this beautiful country.” Evan has been nominated for the MVP award four times and has been the top scorer twice in the Sri Lanka Premier League.

Kazou Hommo, the 43-year-old Japanese veteran striker, is making a highly anticipated return to Bhutan for the 2023 BPL season, where he will once again don the colors of Paro FC. After a successful stint with Samut Prakan FC in Thailand, Hommo is excited to reunite with his former club and give his all on the Bhutanese pitch. Fully aware of the expectations from the passionate Paro FC fans, Hommo is determined to give 100% to the team. He understands the significance of his role and is committed to making a meaningful impact on the field. His experience and composure make him a valuable asset, capable of inspiring his teammates and contributing to the success of the club. Beyond football, Hommo is eager to delve deeper into the mystique of Bhutan, immersing himself in the country’s unique culture and understanding the mindset of the local people. He is grateful for the opportunity to gain more experiences and hopes to forge a strong bond with the community during his time in Bhutan. As the 2023 BPL season approaches, Kazou Hommo’s return to Paro FC brings excitement and anticipation for both the player and the fans. With his skills, determination, and a deep appreciation for Bhutan, Hommo aims to be a driving force behind Paro FC’s pursuit of glory in the upcoming season.

Paro FC is thrilled to welcome back Florent Koara to our team for the upcoming BPL 2023 season! His return is highly anticipated, and we couldn’t be happier to have him back as a part of our family. His time with Paro FC last season was nothing short of remarkable, and Florent’s contributions to Paro FC’s triumphant journey to the third Championship were invaluable. His skills and dominance in central defense were instrumental in Paro’s success, and his presence on the field truly made a difference. Prior to returning to Paro, he was playing for Aakraman FC in the Sikkim Premier League. Florent played crucial role at the club, and it was evident that he continued to display the same determination, passion, and leadership that we have come to admire. His efforts played a vital role in securing the Championship for Aakraman FC, and we commend him for his outstanding performance. Aakraman FC, Champions of Sikkim Premier League Florent with Sikkim Premier League championship Trophy  “I always feel good to be back here because it’s where I started my International career, and it feels like home already. The management and officials always provide a good pathway for professional football career, so I always miss the club when I’ve have to leave” says Florent.  “As he return to Paro FC, we have no doubt that he will seamlessly integrate into the team once again. His experience, knowledge, and exceptional defensive abilities will undoubtedly strengthen our squad and enhance our chances of success in the upcoming season” Says Coach Puspa Lal.  Paro FC fans are excited to witness Florent’s skills on the field, to see him donning Paro FC colors once more, and to cheer him on as he continue to make fans proud. Welcome back, Florent! Let’s make the BPL 2023 season an unforgettable one together.

Paro FC receives AFC Club license.  The AFC Club Licensing for the competition year 2023 were fulfilled by Paro FC, Thimphu City FC, and Ugyen Academy FC. Out of the six clubs that registered for the AFC Club Licensing, only these three clubs successfully obtained the license. Similarly, for the National Club Licensing, a total of 17 clubs applied for the license, but only four clubs, namely Thimphu Women’s FC, Ugyen Academy WFC, Thimphu Raven FC, and Namlha FC, met the Club Licensing criteria and were granted the license.  AFC club license is issued after  a club meets criteria in five different sections – Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel and Administrative, Legal and Financial obligations. 

Paro Football Club has been recognized and honored with the Top Sustainability Clubs Award for the 2022-2023 season by the Bhutan Football Federation (BFF). This award acknowledges the club’s exceptional dedication to sustainability goals and its alignment with the three pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Climate Action. Paro FC emerged as one of the two outstanding finalists after a rigorous assessment conducted by the Club Licensing Section in the Competition Department. Alongside Thimphu City FC, Paro FC demonstrated commendable initiatives and activities related to sustainability, impressing the expert panel during field visits. To determine the ultimate winner, both clubs were invited to deliver comprehensive presentations before the panel. After careful deliberation, Paro Football Club was selected as the recipient of the Top Sustainability Club Award for the 2022-2023 season. The club has showcased dedication to fulfilling all three identified SDGs schemes: Climate Change, waste management, and sustainable cities and communities. Paro FC has been proactive in incorporating climate action into its daily activities since its inception in 2018, beginning with simple initiatives like the use of reusable water bottles and environmentally friendly construction materials. The club’s President, Karma Jigme, who holds a master’s degree in conservation, has been instrumental in driving the club’s environmental sustainability goals. Thimphu City Football Club, while being the runner-up for the overall Sustainability Project, received recognition as the Top Waste Management Club and Top Advocacy Club. The club has focused primarily on waste management and promoting sustainable cities and communities. As a gesture of appreciation, the Bhutan Football Federation awarded a cash prize of Nu. 20,000 and a certificate to Paro FC, along with training equipment worth Nu. 40,000. Thimphu City FC also received a cash prize of Nu. 10,000, a certificate for being the top waste management and best advocating club, and training equipment worth Nu. 20,000. This prestigious award highlights Paro FC’s exceptional commitment to sustainability within the football community and serves as a benchmark for other sports clubs to follow. The club’s efforts to initiate and implement sustainable practices across various domains are commendable and set an exemplary standard for others to emulate.

Introducing Sangalo: Elevating Paro FC to New Heights in the Football World New York-based startup Sangalo is revolutionizing the e-commerce platform scene as the official jersey distributor of Paro FC. With a vision to extend the reach of football clubs beyond their local territories, Sangalo is on a mission to bring widespread exposure to lesser-known teams from all corners of the globe. The brainchild of a passionate group of friends driven by their immense love for the beautiful game, Sangalo is making waves by partnering with a diverse range of football clubs. Initially, the startup focused on raising awareness for Express FC from Uganda, showcasing their two distinctive jerseys. However, Sangalo’s ambitions quickly soared as they expanded their partnerships to include Indian Super League champions Hyderabad FC and the Bhutan Premier League victors, Paro FC. T10 Sports, renowned for customization and craftsmanship, has collaborated with Paro FC to produce striking red and black home design as well the captivating yellow and black away jerseys. Hyderabad FC and Express FC, on the other hand, are supplied by Hummel and AZ respectively.  These partnerships serve as a testament to Sangalo’s commitment to providing smaller, local technical partners with amplified exposure—an integral aspect that the company fervently supports. Driven by an unwavering determination, Sangalo aims to propel their partner teams, previously relatively unknown in traditional football-loving regions, to the global stage. The possibilities for these clubs are limitless, and Sangalo stands as their steadfast supporter, dedicated to nurturing their growth and raising their profiles on a global scale. Thanks to Sangalo, expressing your unwavering support for Paro FC is now easier than ever, no matter where you are in the world. Our official jerseys, meticulously crafted to reflect the spirit and essence of the team, are readily available online. Place your order now and showcase your allegiance to Paro FC in a style befitting their exceptional talent and ambition Ⓢⓗⓞⓟ Ⓝⓞⓦ: https://www.sangalo.co/products/paro-fc

Paro FC has become the first Bhutanese football club to introduce a Teqball table at their ground. This move further solidifies the growing popularity and recognition of Teqball within the football community. With most  English Premier League clubs embracing the sport and incorporating it into their training regimes, Paro FC’s adoption of Teqball showcases their commitment to staying at the forefront of modern football training techniques. Teqball is a unique sport that combines elements of football and table tennis, played on a curved table. It challenges players’ skills in ball control, agility, coordination, and decision-making. The game emphasizes close control and precision passing, allowing players to improve their technique, touch, and overall footballing abilities. The decision of Paro FC to introduce a Teqball table at their ground reflects a deep understanding of the benefits the sport offers to footballers. By incorporating Teqball into their training sessions, players can enhance their technical skills, improve their reaction times, and develop a better understanding of match scenarios. The inclusion of Teqball in their training regime provides Paro FC’s players with an additional tool to hone their abilities and gain a competitive edge. The fact that several prominent English Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Everton, Wolverhampton, Watford, Bournemouth, Southampton, and Burnley, have already adopted Teqball speaks volumes about its effectiveness. These clubs recognize the value of incorporating Teqball into their training routines to help their players reach their full potential on the pitch. Paro FC’s introduction of a Teqball table not only signifies their commitment to innovation and player development but also highlights their dedication to staying ahead of the curve in terms of training methodologies. By embracing Teqball, they have demonstrated their willingness to explore new avenues for enhancing the skills of their players and pushing the boundaries of traditional training techniques. As Teqball continues to gain popularity within the football community, it is likely that more clubs, both at the elite and grassroots levels, will follow suit. The sport offers a fun and challenging way to improve technical abilities, fostering healthy competition and camaraderie among players. Overall, Paro FC’s pioneering move to introduce a Teqball table at their ground sets a remarkable example for other clubs in Bhutan, reinforcing the notion that embracing innovative training methods can lead to tangible benefits on the pitch. The integration of Teqball into football training regimes opens up new avenues for skill development and further enhances the player’s overall performance, ultimately elevating the standard of the game.