Bhutan Hosts OCA & OS Regional Forum 2025

Bhutan is set to welcome distinguished sports leaders from across Asia as it hosts the prestigious Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Olympic Solidarity (OS) Regional Forum 2025 in Thimphu on April 2-3. This landmark event marks the largest sporting forum ever held in the country, reinforcing Bhutan’s growing capacity to organize international events and strengthening its reputation in sports, tourism, and diplomacy.

The forum will serve as a vital platform for regional collaboration in sports development, emphasizing the role of sports in fostering unity, progress, and well-being. Discussions will center on key topics, including the Olympic Solidarity Quadrennial Plan 2025-2028, preparations for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, the Third Asian Youth Games in Bahrain (October 22-31, 2024), and the 2026 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

As the host nation, Bhutan will showcase its commitment to the Olympic Movement, despite having a relatively small sports economy. The country continues to invest in sports as a means of upholding its sovereignty and strengthening its presence on the international stage. The forum offers a unique opportunity for Bhutan to share its vision, exchange ideas with international sporting bodies, and foster long-term partnerships.

The event will highlight the pivotal role of Olympic Solidarity, a key initiative under the International Olympic Committee (IOC) designed to support National Olympic Committees (NOCs), particularly those with the greatest need for resources and development. Through targeted programs, Olympic Solidarity provides financial and technical support to train athletes, coaches, and administrators, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape worldwide.

By bringing together officials from 26 NOCs across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, along with representatives from the IOC and OCA, the forum will facilitate knowledge-sharing and capacity-building efforts. These discussions will help align national sports development plans with global best practices, ultimately benefiting athletes and sporting communities across the region.

In addition to the high-level discussions, the forum will feature several engaging side programs aimed at fostering youth participation and promoting Olympic values within Bhutan:

• Youth Reporter Program: Designed for students from four pilot schools, this initiative will equip young participants with journalism skills. Winners will receive prizes, and one boy and one girl will earn the opportunity to compete for ten spots at the Asian Games.

• Art Competition: Students from the same four pilot schools will participate in this creative showcase, with the top five art pieces displayed at the forum venue. The final selection, scheduled for April 2, will be conducted by representatives from AINAGOC, OCA, and the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC). Prizes will be awarded to the best entries.

• Fun Run: Set for April 3 from 8:00 am to 10:00 am, this 2.5 km run to Buddha Point will involve 250 students from five schools, along with forum delegates. All participants will receive a t-shirt, medals, certificates, and refreshments to celebrate their involvement.

These side programs will create a lasting impact by engaging Bhutan’s youth in the Olympic spirit while fostering a culture of sportsmanship and creativity.

As Bhutan gets ready to host this important gathering, the OCA & OS Regional Forum 2025 is a meaningful opportunity for the country to contribute to the growth of sports, diplomacy, and cultural exchange in the region. Welcoming esteemed sports leaders from across Asia is not just an honor but also a chance to learn, collaborate, and share Bhutan’s passion for sports. More importantly, this event reflects Bhutan’s commitment to fostering unity and inspiring future generations to embrace the values that sports bring to communities worldwide.