𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐮 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐎𝐂𝐀 & 𝐎𝐥𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

…𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 24 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑶𝒍𝒚𝒎𝒑𝒊𝒄 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒖𝒔𝒔 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑨𝒔𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑶𝒍𝒚𝒎𝒑𝒊𝒄 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔

By Tashi Tshewang

The much-anticipated Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) & Olympic Solidarity Regional Forum 2025 commenced in Thimphu, marking a significant milestone for Bhutan’s role in the international sporting arena. The prestigious event was graced by His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, further accentuating Bhutan’s growing prominence in the global sports community.

This gathering brought together representatives from 24 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) across East, South, and Southeast Asia. The forum reflects the region’s collective commitment to strengthening Olympic values and fostering deeper collaboration in sports development.

The forum serves as a critical platform for sports leaders, administrators, and stakeholders to deliberate on the Olympic Solidarity’s new strategic plan for the upcoming Olympiad. With the world of sports constantly evolving, discussions at this forum will shape policies and initiatives that empower athletes, enhance training programs, and uplift sports infrastructures across Asia. Beyond policy discussions, the event offers a unique opportunity for nations to exchange ideas, forge new partnerships, and address challenges head-on.

The two-day forum included extensive deliberations on progress and areas for improvement, as delegates synchronized their strategies for upcoming major sporting events. Key topics included preparations for the 20th Asian Games in Japan (2026), the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain (2025), and the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Saudi Arabia (2026).

The forum not only highlights Asia’s unwavering dedication to sports development but also reinforces the region’s shared commitment to the Olympic ideals of excellence, respect, and friendship. As Bhutan’s capital welcomed these distinguished guests, the forum is expected to inspire new initiatives, strengthen regional ties, and pave the way for a more inclusive and dynamic sporting landscape across Asia.

The event emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, uniting people of all ages, genders, and abilities to experience the excitement of the Asian Games. Beyond sports, the forum celebrates Asia’s rich cultural and artistic heritage, fostering stronger, healthier communities. The goal is to encourage widespread participation, raise awareness, and inspire engagement with the Asian Games across the continent.

In line with these objectives, over 250 enthusiastic students from various schools, including Yangchenphu High School, Lungtenzampa Middle Secondary School, Pelkhil School, Druk School, and Thimphu High School, participated in the OCA Fun Run. The scenic 2.56-kilometer route led to the majestic 51.5-meter Great Buddha Dordenma statue, a symbol of peace and prosperity. The top 10 boys and top 10 girls were awarded medals and certificates for their performances. In the boys’ category, Pema Dhendup from Yangchenphu Higher Secondary School took first place, followed by Dorji and Sagar Subba, both from YHSS. In the girls’ category, Chhimi Pelden, also from YHSS, claimed first place, with Sonam Eden in second and Anju Subba in third.

The OCA Art Competition, with more than 350 entries from Bhutan, also drew attention. Four exceptionally talented young artists- Ugyen Drodyel Jamtsho and Ugyen Rigphel Dorji from Dechencholing Higher Secondary School, and Shelkar Zangmo Namgyal and Rishikara Dargee from Khangkhu Middle Secondary School- will have their artwork displayed at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games Art Exhibition, celebrating the spirit of inclusivity and unity in sports.
A special congratulations goes to Meera Regmi, a Class X student from Khangkhu MSS, Paro, who won the OCA-Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Youth Reporter competition. Competing against over 200 students from four pilot schools in Bhutan, Meera secured a spot in next year’s Asian Games media team.

Jeans Zhou Jian, Director of Media and Broadcast at the Olympic Council of Asia, praised Bhutan for being the first country to host the Asian Art Competition for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. “We aim to actively promote the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Bhutan, especially by engaging young students and the younger generation,” he said.

Wissam Trkmani, Secretary General for Children, highlighted the significance of the Asian Games as one of the largest and most prestigious multi-sport events in Asia. “The first edition of the Asian Games took place in New Delhi, India, with 11 NOCs participating across just six sports,” he said. “Now, 75 years later, preparations are underway for the 20th edition in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, featuring 41 sports and over 400 events, with all 45 NOCs participating.”

Fumihito Kanaizuka, Director of PR & Media, stressed the importance of sustainability for the future of the Asian Games. “If the costs continue to rise, it will become increasingly difficult to sustain the Games,” he explained. “Therefore, we must focus on cost-effective solutions, making use of existing facilities while ensuring that the Games remain prestigious and sustainable.”

Sonam Karma Tshering, Secretary General of the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC), expressed confidence in Bhutan’s preparations for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. “Compared to most past Asian Games, we are better prepared than ever,” he said. “The Bhutan Olympic Committee has launched the Bhutan Elite Athlete Support and Training (BEAST) Program, providing dedicated training for our athletes in selected sports.”

To enhance competitiveness, Bhutan has brought in international coaches to provide specialized training and high-level expertise. “Our athletes have structured training programs and a well-defined competition pathway,” Tshering said. “Every aspect of their preparation is mapped out, allowing us to work harder than ever to be at least competitive at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.”

With this strategic approach, Bhutan aims to make a mark on the Asian sporting stage, focusing on long-term athlete development and stronger performances in international competitions.