Thimphu, Bhutan, May 15, 2024: HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, Mr. Husain Al-Musallam, President of World Aquatics and Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia, and dignitaries from World Aquatics presided over the inauguration of the swimming pool in Thimphu Aquatic Centre on Wednesday, May 15.
it is the first-ever international standard 25 metres x 20 meters swimming pool in the country.
The Secretary General of the BOC, Mr. Sonam Karma Tshering, thanked World Aquatics and the OCA for contributing a generous amount of USD 450,000 under the Pools for all and Olympiasia Project.
The construction of the facility was made possible with financial support from the Government of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan.
Captain Husain commented: “It’s a great day for the World Aquatics for the inauguration of the first pool project in Bhutan. This swimming pool will give the opportunity to the young generation and the children of Bhutan the possibility to learn to swim.”
The World Aquatics President says Bhutan will have the full support of World Aquatics to develop all aspects of the sport in Bhutan.
“We have the possibility to give our full support here to Bhutan, to develop their coaching system, their referee system and their training system, and for the athletes,” added Captain Husain.
“I am very happy to be here in Bhutan, happy to see the children here in Bhutan with their families looking forward to train in this pool and enjoy their life in Bhutan rivers and lakes.”
HRH Prince Jigyel added: “I feel that this is the first time ever that aquatics has finally come to Bhutan in a professional way. I think it should have untold benefits for the future of our boys and girls, not only how to learn to swim but to benefit physically, mentally and emotionally through this wonderful sport of aquatics.”
The pool will provide a safe environment for swimmers of all ages, as the local pastime of swimming in rivers can often be dangerous.
