𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐙𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐦𝐨 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐚

Tshering Zangmo Sherpa, the Head of the Women’s Department in the Baseball and Softball Association, boasts a commendable record of achievements and contributions to the world of sports in Bhutan. Tshering’s journey began as a former cricket player and coach, showcasing a deep-rooted passion for sports leadership and development. Under her guidance, the Baseball and Softball Association has witnessed a significant increase in participation, with training programs attracting an impressive 1,000 to 2,000 youth.

Tshering has played a pivotal role in organizing district tours and training programs, diligently working to raise awareness and garner support for the development of baseball in Bhutan. Through her leadership, she envisions a bright future for Bhutanese youth in baseball, nurturing not only a passion for the game but also creating opportunities for them to represent their country on the international stage.

Q.How has the introduction of baseball impacted the sports culture in Bhutan? Do you see a flourishing interest, especially among the youth?
A. Yes, I could say that the impact is significant. Currently, with the training programs we conduct, we are getting around 1,000 to 2,000 kids, ranging from 7 to 25 years old. This is a substantial increase compared to the 6 to 7 kids we used to get in remote areas before. And I believe this sport will gradually flourish in the country since we are seeing significant interest from the youth.

Q. Q.Why do you think baseball is not as famous as football in Bhutan, and how do you see the future of baseball in the country?
A. Baseball is relatively new in Bhutan, gaining recognition only in 2021. It’s not as popular as football, but I see a bright future. The youth participating in training programmes show great potential, and many could represent the country and even make a career out of baseball. We believe baseball will go a long way.

Q. You mentioned being a former cricket player and a coach. What inspired you to become a baseball coach in a country where the sport is still emerging?
A. Before joining the Baseball and Softball Association, I was a cricket player and coach. In 2021, I got an opportunity to showcase my talent and leadership in baseball. That’s when I joined the association and transitioned into becoming a baseball coach. Gradually, I developed an interest in baseball, and eventually, I directed myself towards baseball.

Q. Can you break down how baseball is played in simple terms and explain how it differs from cricket?
A. Baseball is a diamond sport with bases shaped like a diamond. The rules are different from cricket; for instance, getting out is called a “strikeout” instead of a “wicket.” There are various types of outs, like “flyball” instead of a catch-out and “tag out” instead of a run-out.

Q.Do we have the equivalent of sixes in baseball?
A. Yes, although we don’t call them sixes. It’s referred to as a “home run.”

Q. Could you share your experiences playing and coaching baseball?
A. Playing baseball is enjoyable, especially hitting the ball and running. Coaching, on the other hand, comes with challenges, especially in handling a large number of kids and explaining complex rules.

Q. What are the challenges of being a baseball coach?
A.The most challenging aspects are the lack of dedicated baseball fields and the expense of acquiring equipment, as baseball is one of the top five most expensive sports.

Q. What improvements or investments are required in terms of infrastructure and resources to further develop baseball in Bhutan?
A.We need proper baseball fields to engage more kids, and funding, both international and domestic, would be beneficial. Currently, we have to schedule differently due to the limitations of our existing field.

Q.Despite being an emerging sport, how can we promote baseball in Bhutan?
A. We have a marketing and media section to promote baseball. District tours and training programmes in remote areas help gather data and spread awareness. The goal is to reach 20 districts within the next five years.

Q. Can Bhutanese players participate in international tournaments in the future?
A. Yes, I believe they can. With proper training, guidance, and support from parents, Bhutanese players have the potential to compete internationally.

Q. Do we have other professional coaches in Bhutan?
A. Currently, we have coaches who have undergone coaching courses from the WBC (World Baseball and Softball Confederation). We are also looking for more professional coaches.

Message:

I encourage the youth to join baseball, as it is a rapidly growing sport in Bhutan. Furthermore, you can build a sporting career through baseball, and I would like to invite them to join us. We have upcoming camps starting on December 19th, providing them with an opportunity to participate and utilize their time effectively.