Sports in School Carnival Wraps Up with Two Days of Thrills and Inspiration

Paro, September 21, 2025 — The Sports in School Carnival 2025 came to a high-spirited close yesterday after two electrifying days of action spread across the Woochu Sports Arena and the Rinpung Sports Arena in Paro. With more than 2,000 students and teachers from seven pilot schools, the carnival lived up to its promise of showing how sports can inspire, empower, and open doors beyond the arena.

Organized by the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) in collaboration with the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) and supported by Olympic Solidarity (OS), the event marked a milestone in integrating sports into education as a core part of student development. The carnival was made possible through the partnership of Paro FC, Woochu Sports Arena, and Rinpung Sports Arena, who played a crucial role as arena partners in bringing the event to life.

For two days, the twin venues of Woochu and Rinpung were alive with cheers, color, and competition. Students threw themselves into volleyball, basketball, football, athletics, and traditional sports for both boys and girls, across multiple class categories. From fast sprints on the track to high-energy matches on the courts, each event showcased determination, discipline, and raw enthusiasm. Off the field, cheering squads matched the athletes in energy, turning the arenas into walls of sound and unity.

Day 1 opened with a surge of excitement as students competed in the preliminary rounds of all sports. Track events, basketball, football, and volleyball matches set the tone with tight finishes and spirited play. Beyond the competitions, the arenas were filled with entertainment programs from the schools, fun games, raffle draws, and food stalls, creating a festive atmosphere that delighted both participants and spectators alike.

Day 2 carried that momentum forward, featuring the finals in all sports and culminating in the 5 km road race, where boys and girls tested their endurance along scenic routes in Paro. The closing ceremony in the afternoon tied together the pride, joy, and excitement of two unforgettable days.

While the students lit up the arenas, the real backbone of the carnival lay in the effort of teachers, principals, officials, and volunteers. Teachers and school leaders guided and encouraged their students every step of the way, while BOC officials and MoESD coordinators ensured every schedule, every whistle, and every detail was in place. Volunteers too played their part with dedication, embodying the spirit of service that makes such events possible. Parents, guardians, and community well-wishers filled the stands, adding warmth and encouragement that made the carnival feel like a true festival of sport.

What set this carnival apart was not just the range of competitions, but its message. Sports here were not just about victory or defeat — they were about life lessons. Students walked away with more than medals; they carried with them lessons of teamwork, leadership, resilience, and respect.

At the closing ceremony, Bhutan Olympic Committee’s Head of School Sports, Tshering Penjor, captured the essence of the two days:
“This carnival has shown us that sports go far beyond the arena. It opens doors to growth, opportunity, and lifelong skills that will serve our students well into the future. What we witnessed over the last two days is a reminder of the power of sports to shape not only athletes but responsible, confident citizens.”

The Sports in School Carnival 2025 was more than an event — it was a statement of intent. With the combined vision of MoESD, BOC, OS, and the support of partners like Paro FC, Woochu Sports Arena, and Rinpung Sports Arena, the carnival has laid down a strong foundation for expanding the Sports in School program to more schools across Bhutan.

As the sun dipped behind the hills of Paro, students waved their school flags one last time, voices hoarse from cheering but spirits soaring high. What began as two days of competition ended as a powerful movement — proving that sports in schools can shape brighter futures, both on and off the field.