Bhutan Elite Athlete Support and Training
Fueling Dreams. Forging Champions. Representing Bhutan.
The Bhutan Elite Athlete Support and Training (BEAST) Program is a flagship initiative of the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) launched in July 2024. It is designed to systematically nurture, support, and prepare Bhutan’s top athletes to compete successfully at the Asian Games, Olympic Games, and other international platforms.
The BEAST Program provides targeted support to identified elite athletes through a structured framework involving sport prioritization, athlete categorization, high-performance training, and regular assessments. It reflects Bhutan’s commitment to investing in talent and elevating the country’s status in the global sporting arena.
Latest News
BEAST Athlete List
| SL. NO | Name | Gender | Designated Sports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sonam Penjor | Male | Archery |
| 2 | Kinley Tshering | Male | Archery |
| 3 | Lam Dorji | Male | Archery |
| 4 | Sangay | Male | Athlete |
| 5 | Gawa Zangpo | Male | Athlete |
| 6 | Dechen Ugyen | Male | Athlete |
| 7 | Kinley Lhendup | Male | Athletic |
| 8 | Tashi Yoezer | Male | Boxing |
| 9 | Dorji Wangdi | Male | Boxing |
| 10 | Migmar Dorji | Male | Boxing |
| 11 | Rohan Gurung | Male | Judo |
| 12 | Kinga Norbu | Male | Judo |
| 13 | Nikhil Samad | Male | Judo |
| 14 | Jigme Kinzang Wangchuk | Male | Judo |
| 15 | Kinley Penjor B | Male | Shooting |
| 16 | Kinley Penjor Army | Male | Shooting |
| 17 | Tandin Wangchuk | Male | Shooting |
| 18 | Kinley Lhendup | Male | Swimming |
| 19 | Nima Wangdi | Male | Taekwondo |
| 20 | Ugyen Dorji | Male | Taekwondo |
| 21 | Sonam Yangzom | Female | Taekwondo |
Vision and Mission
Vision
To build a future where Bhutanese athletes are among the top contenders in international sporting events, proudly representing the nation with excellence and honor.
Mission
To identify, support, and elevate elite athletes through strategic investment in high-performance coaching, sports science, infrastructure, and expert guidance.
The BEAST Program is Bhutan’s elite athlete development pathway, empowering top performers with training, science, and support. Driven by discipline and national pride, it nurtures champions prepared to compete on the Asian and global stage. With structured guidance and unwavering commitment, BEAST is building the future of Bhutanese sport.
Core Objectives
The BEAST Program is driven by a results-oriented and athlete-centered approach. Its main objectives are:
Sport Prioritization – Focus on disciplines where Bhutan shows competitive potential.
Talent Identification – Select athletes based on performance and future promise.
Athlete and Sport Categorization – Allocate resources based on athlete potential and achievements.
Structured Benefits and Support – Provide financial, technical, and psychological support to athletes.
Performance Monitoring – Conduct regular assessments to track progress.
Strategic Budget Allocation – Optimize financial support for maximum impact.
Targeted Sports
The BEAST Program currently supports six key sports disciplines based on historical performance, talent pool, and global competitiveness:
JUDO
Athletics
Boxing
Shooting
Archery
Taekwondo
Athlete Categorization
| Category | Description | Support Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Athletes with strong potential for medals | Full-time training, monthly stipends, expert coaching, competition exposure |
| Tier 2 | Promising mid-level athletes | Partial support, performance-based incentives, focused mentorship |
| Tier 3 | Emerging youth athletes | Basic support, foundational training, monitoring |
Benefits Include
Monthly financial stipends
Access to professional coaches and training facilities
Sports science support: nutrition, strength & conditioning, mental well-being
Injury management and physiotherapy
International competition exposure
Educational and life skills development
- Athlete insurance coverage for one year or until the end of the contract
BEAST Governance Structure
The BEAST Program is overseen by a dedicated Technical Committee comprised of experienced coaches, sports scientists, and representatives from National Sports Federations (NSFs).
Technical Committee Roles:
Conduct a minimum of six reviews annually
Evaluate athlete progress and development pathways
Recommend promotion, demotion, or renewal of athlete contracts
Oversee quarterly technical assessments
Collaborate with NSFs to maintain transparency and alignment
Areas of Review:
Competitive results and rankings
Physical and mental readiness
Tactical and technical progress
Athlete’s commitment and discipline
Budget and Financial Support
The BEAST Program’s budget is strategically structured to ensure the equitable distribution of resources across the five prioritized sports disciplines.
Emphasis is placed on the effective use of funding to directly impact athlete development, with all expenditures monitored closely by both the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) and the BEAST Technical Committee to ensure transparency and accountability.
The program’s budget allocations cover a wide range of essential areas, including monthly stipends for athletes, recruitment and retention of qualified coaches, travel and competition expenses, access to training facilities and infrastructure, and sports science services, such as nutrition, injury rehabilitation, and psychological support.
This well-rounded financial strategy ensures that every athlete in the program receives the tools and support needed to succeed at the highest levels.
Organizational Diagram
Achievements and Impact
Since its implementation, the BEAST Program has:
Introduced monthly stipends for elite athletes.
Facilitated collaboration across NSFs for systematic talent management.
Laid the foundation for Bhutan’s Olympic roadmap through clear, measurable progress indicators.
Resources
Meet Our BEAST Athletes
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BOC Governance and Structure
Explore the governance and organizational structure of the Bhutan Olympic Committee and its role in promoting sports excellence.