Initiated by the Bhutan Cricket Council Board in partnership with UNICEF Bhutan and the Zhung Dratshang (Central Monastic Body), the program represents a groundbreaking move toward inclusive sports, introducing cricket to monastic communities traditionally untouched by organized athletics.
THIMPHU – On a cool morning at Dechen Phodrang Monastic School in Taba, Thimphu, an unexpected sound broke the usual rhythm of chants and prayers—the sharp crack of bat on ball. For the first time in Bhutan’s history, monks in flowing maroon robes took to the cricket field, launching a new chapter in sports inclusivity under the trailblazing “Cricket4All” initiative.
This pioneering programme, spearheaded by the Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) in partnership with UNICEF Bhutan and the Zhung Dratshang (Central Monastic Body), aims to integrate sports into monastic life, an area long excluded from organized athletic activities.
The debut event involves 290 monks from Dechenphodrang Monastic School, marking Bhutan’s first structured cricket programme tailored specifically for the monastic community. Over time, the initiative is set to expand to four additional monastic institutions and a nunnery, reflecting a long-term vision of empowerment, well-being, and community engagement.
Damber S Gurung, CEO of BCCB, explained that the Cricket4All initiative is not just about playing a game—it’s about leadership development, physical wellness, and social connection. “Monks and nuns are integral to Bhutanese society. They too deserve the same physical and mental well-being that sports like cricket can offer,” Gurung stated. “This initiative could well shape the foundation of a thriving cricket culture in our monastic institutions.”
The programme includes inter-monastic cricket tournaments, professional training sessions, provision of equipment, and awareness campaigns focused on healthy lifestyles. Supported by UNICEF Bhutan since 2017, Cricket4All has already reached nearly 1,000 school students and is now making its way into spiritual institutions.
At the launch, BCCB President Thinley Wangchuk Dorji attended as the guest of honour, joined by representatives from UNICEF Bhutan and the Central Monastic Body.
UNICEF Bhutan’s Youth and Adolescent Development Specialist, Sonam Wangchuk, noted the importance of inclusivity in sport. “While many schoolchildren have access to organized sports, monks and nuns are often left out. We’re working to change that,” he said. “Physical activity encourages leadership, mindfulness, and social development—all of which align beautifully with monastic values.”
Educators and monks at Dechenphodrang expressed optimism about the new sporting chapter. The school, which already offers football, volleyball, basketball, and carrom, will now include cricket as a regular activity—particularly on Sundays and free periods—giving monks more diverse options for recreation.
“I’ve always enjoyed sports but never learned how to play cricket,” said young Monk Dorji. “Now that we have this programme, I’m excited to learn the game and play with my friends.”
Khenpo Kinzang Yeshey, Secretary of the Monastic Education Council, emphasized the philosophical harmony between sports and monasticism. “Our monastic tradition spans more than 400 years, but athletic participation has remained low. Discipline, mindfulness, and perseverance—these values are as essential in sports as they are in Buddhist teachings,” he remarked.
He added, “It’s no longer a question of whether sports belong in monastic education. Physical well-being is a necessity. A sound body supports a sound mind, and this balance is key to spiritual development.”
The Cricket4All initiative marks more than just a sports programme—it represents a cultural shift. By opening up monastic walls to the world of cricket, Bhutan is taking a confident step toward redefining tradition to include health, play, and collective growth.
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