𝐔.𝐒. 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭

…𝑨𝒎𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒓’𝒔 𝑽𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒕 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝑮𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑼.𝑺.-𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝑻𝒊𝒆𝒔

By Nedup Dorji and Rinzin Norbu

Eric Garcetti, the United States Ambassador to India, recently engaged with Bhutan’s young baseball and softball players, leaving an inspiring impression during his visit to the Bhutan Baseball & Softball Association (BBSA). The event, held on the grounds of Dechencholing Higher Secondary School with the support of the Royal BodyGuard (RBG), was a symbolic milestone for the BBSA, a rapidly growing sports association dedicated to promoting baseball and softball among Bhutan’s youth.

During his three-day visit to Bhutan, Ambassador Garcetti made time to meet the U18 players of the BBSA, witnessing firsthand the enthusiasm and talent of Bhutan’s emerging athletes. His visit was particularly notable for the Bhutanese baseball and softball community, as it showcased international support and recognition for a sport still in its nascent stages in the country.

Ambassador Garcetti, a self-proclaimed baseball fan from Los Angeles, ceremonially launched the day’s activities by throwing the first pitch, a moment that resonated with both the players and audience. “I know you made Bhutan proud, you made baseball proud, and you made me honoured to be your friend,” Garcetti expressed, thanking the BBSA for their hospitality. He extended his gratitude to the Royal Body Guard, Dechencholing Higher Secondary School, and the Bhutanese government for creating a platform where sports and cultural exchange could flourish.

The Ambassador’s first pitch was met with cheers from the young players, who were visibly thrilled to have such an esteemed guest honour their sport. “Today is about more than just a game,” Garcetti shared in his speech, “it’s about building connections, learning lessons, and creating lifelong friendships.” He encouraged the players, both girls and boys, to pursue their dreams and featured the valuable lessons baseball and softball impart—sportsmanship, resilience, and the spirit of competition.

In his address to the players, Garcetti, donned in his Los Angeles Dodgers shirt, shared a glimpse of his own passion for baseball, citing recent World Series games and the impact they have on global sports enthusiasts. He also playfully acknowledged Bhutan’s baseball fandom by joking with the players about the possibility of having Yankees fans among them.

Ambassador Garcetti’s visit signifies growing U.S.-Bhutan ties, particularly through the medium of sports. Garcetti emphasized his support for BBSA’s mission, which includes expanding international exposure for Bhutanese players. “One day,” he said, “maybe even in 2028, you’ll come to Los Angeles and play Olympic baseball when it returns to the Olympics.”

His enthusiasm was met with gratitude by the BBSA community. BBSA General Secretary, Sanjeevan Raj Gurung, remarked, “As a young and fast-growing organization, BBSA is immensely honoured by His Excellency’s presence. His visit will inspire our youth to pursue their dreams, and we are deeply grateful to Ambassador Garcetti and the U.S. Embassy team for making time to support our young athletes.” Garcetti’s visit is hoped to be the beginning of future collaborations that will allow Bhutanese athletes to experience baseball and softball beyond Bhutan.

For the young players of BBSA, meeting the U.S. Ambassador was a unique experience that many will carry forward in their sports journey. Kinley Gyeltshen, a member of BBSA’s baseball team, shared his excitement about catching the ceremonial first pitch from the Ambassador. “One of the best moments was His Excellency giving the first pitch on the mound. From my perspective, getting this kind of opportunity is rare, especially since baseball was recently introduced in our country,” Kinley said. He further described how baseball quickly became a passion for him, thanks to the opportunities BBSA has provided.

Another player, Thinley Choden Chodra, who had recently traveled to the United States with the BBSA team, shared her perspective on Ambassador Garcetti’s visit. “Today, His Excellency, the Ambassador of the United States to India, gave us his valuable time. We were very happy and excited because His Excellency’s presence means many more opportunities for us.” Recalling her U.S. trip in August, Thinley described the excitement of attending a professional game at Yankee Stadium, receiving training from professional coaches, and representing Bhutan at a significant event. “It was a very proud moment for us as we were able to represent our country on such a large stage,” she expressed, highlighting the strong impact these international experiences have had on her and her teammates.

The August trip was coordinated through BBSA with support from the U.S. Embassy and gave twelve young Bhutanese players a taste of baseball culture in the United States. The players attended clinics and watched live games, immersing themselves in the sport at a level they could only dream of experiencing within Bhutan. This exposure has fueled aspirations among BBSA players, with several now considering opportunities in coaching and competitive play on an international stage.

The BBSA’s Youth Development Coach, Bishnu Lal Chamlagai, expressed his appreciation for the Ambassador’s visit, noting how the event celebrated the accomplishments of the twelve Bhutanese players who had travelled to the U.S. “Today’s game was specially organized to thank the Ambassador, who helped facilitate the August trip,” Bishnu Lal Chamlagai explained. “The kids were very happy to meet the Ambassador again and wanted to express their gratitude on the field.” Bishnu Lal Chamlagai shared that the Ambassador’s support has been instrumental in furthering BBSA’s vision of developing baseball and softball as viable career options for Bhutanese youth, who often have limited access to such global opportunities.

As part of his closing remarks, Ambassador Garcetti spoke to the importance of the bond sports can create across borders. “This is what baseball is about,” he told the crowd, “it’s about bringing people together and realizing the potential of our young people.” He encouraged BBSA’s young athletes to continue honing their skills and building friendships through the sport, reminding them that their journey could eventually lead them back to the United States for future international tournaments or even the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

For the Bhutan Baseball & Softball Association, this event was not just a game but a symbol of the promising future of baseball in Bhutan. “We see today as a testament to the power of sport,” said Sanjeevan Raj Gurung. “Baseball and softball are more than just sports; they’re a means of shaping future leaders, teaching values, and forging connections beyond borders.” BBSA remains committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where Bhutanese youth can discover their potential through sports like baseball and softball.

As Ambassador Eric Garcetti concluded his day with BBSA, he left the young athletes with words of encouragement and inspiration, echoing a classic call: “Play ball!” The Bhutanese players, inspired and grateful, eagerly took to the field, embodying the values of teamwork, resilience, and international friendship that baseball represents. This event is anticipated to strengthen the BBSA’s international relationships and inspire Bhutan’s youth to pursue their passions, setting a foundation for the future of baseball and softball in Bhutan.