𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐢𝐠𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐤

Jigdrel Wangchuk serves as the head coach of both baseball and softball in the country. His journey into coaching began when baseball was first introduced in Bhutan. He talks about the Bhutan Baseball and Softball Association numerous challenges, including limited resources, lack of proper training facilities, and the need to raise awareness and interest in a sport that is still relatively unknown in Bhutan. He also talks about how BBSA worked tirelessly to engage Bhutanese youth, teaching them the fundamentals of the game and fostering a passion that is slowly but steadily spreading across the country.

Q. Before becoming the head coach of baseball and softball in Bhutan, what was your dream or career goal?
A. Before becoming the head coach of baseball and softball in Bhutan, my career was primarily focused on cricket. Cricket had been my passion for a long time, and I dedicated a significant portion of my life to it. However, as time went on, I found myself increasingly drawn to baseball. The strategies, the pace, and the overall dynamics of the game captivated me in a way that cricket hadn’t before. This growing love for baseball eventually led me to shift my focus entirely from cricket to baseball. Now, as the head coach of baseball and softball in Bhutan, I’m deeply committed to developing the sport and sharing my passion with others. This transition has allowed me to explore new challenges and opportunities, and I am excited to see where this journey in baseball will take me.

Q. How did you overcome the challenges when you first introduced baseball and softball in Bhutan?
A. When we first introduced baseball and softball in Bhutan, we faced several challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was the lack of awareness and understanding of the sport among the local population. Most people were more familiar other traditional sports, so getting them interested in baseball required significant effort. Another challenge was finding suitable spaces for training and games. We had to adapt and modify existing fields to make them work for baseball. Through persistence, community engagement, and creative problem-solving, we were able to establish a foundation for the sport in Bhutan.

Q. How do you motivate your players as a coach?
A. As a coach, motivating my players is all about understanding their individual strengths and needs. I focus on creating a positive and supportive environment where they feel valued and encouraged to push their limits. I set clear goals and celebrate even small achievements to build their confidence. I also emphasize teamwork and the importance of supporting each other, which fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose. By sharing my passion for baseball and showing them how far they can go with dedication, I aim to inspire them to give their best, both on and off the field.

Q. How do you plan to sustain and grow the game of baseball in Bhutan for the future?
A. To sustain and grow baseball in Bhutan, the plan involves several strategic approaches. First, fostering grassroots development by expanding youth programs and school leagues is essential. Introducing baseball at a young age helps build a strong base of future players and fans. Investing in coaching education is also crucial, with training sessions and workshops organized to enhance the skills and knowledge of local coaches. This ensures they can effectively teach and inspire their players. Community engagement plays a significant role as well. Creating local baseball events and actively involving the community can raise awareness and generate support for the sport. Improving infrastructure is another focus, with efforts to enhance facilities and secure necessary equipment through partnerships with local and international organizations.

Q. How does the government support baseball?
A. Yes, government support for baseball is important, but funding can often be quickly used up for essentials like jerseys and other game-related expenses. While government contributions provide a foundation, they may not always be sufficient to cover all costs associated with the sport. This includes not only the purchase of jerseys but also other necessary items and activities that are crucial for the development and promotion of baseball. As a result, managing the budget effectively becomes essential to ensure that resources are allocated where they are needed most. It may also be beneficial to seek additional sources of funding, such as private sponsorships and community support, to supplement government contributions. By diversifying funding sources and creating a strategic plan for managing expenses, baseball programs can better sustain their activities and continue to grow and thrive.

Q. Is there any plan from the government to provide dedicated grounds for baseball?
A. Currently, there are no dedicated baseball grounds in Bhutan, but plans are in place to address this issue. This winter, we are scheduled to meet with the World Baseball and Softball President to discuss both funding and the development of baseball facilities. This meeting represents a crucial opportunity to advocate for the creation of dedicated baseball fields and explore potential financial support. By engaging with international baseball organizations, we aim to secure the necessary resources to build and maintain these facilities. This step is vital for advancing the sport in Bhutan, as proper grounds will significantly improve training conditions and foster greater interest and participation in baseball. The outcome of these discussions will be pivotal in determining the future of baseball infrastructure in the country, and we are hopeful for positive results that will benefit the development of the sport.

Q. Are there opportunities to compete internationally and go outside Bhutan to face teams from other countries?
A. Soon, we will have the exciting opportunity to play a friendly match with Bangladesh. This upcoming game presents a valuable chance for our team to compete internationally and gain experience against a strong opponent. Playing against teams from other countries not only helps improve our skills but also provides insight into different playing styles and strategies. It’s a significant step for the development of baseball in Bhutan, allowing us to showcase our talent and learn from international competition. We look forward to this match and the potential it holds for advancing our sport on a global stage.

Q. As you played cricket and is now coaching baseball, what differences do you feel between the two sports?
A.The main difference between cricket and baseball is in the design of the bats. In cricket, the bat has a flat face, which allows for different striking techniques and shot placements. In baseball, the bat is round and cylindrical, designed for different swinging mechanics and contact with pitched balls. This fundamental difference in bat design significantly affects how the games are played and how skills are developed for each sport.

Message:

Many young people are increasingly engaged with mobile games, but I recommend incorporating physical games into their routines. Playing sports helps maintain physical fitness, enhances overall health, and contributes to building a strong mentality. Engaging in physical activities not only improves physical strength and coordination but also teaches valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience. By participating in sports, young people can develop a balanced lifestyle, gain confidence, and improve their mental toughness, which can positively impact various aspects of their lives.