PRESS RELEASE

Thimphu, Bhutan — 29th Oct, 2025

Bhutan Olympic Committee and Nippon Sport Science University Sign MoU to Strengthen Coach Development in Bhutan.  In a landmark step to elevate the standards of sports coaching and capacity development in Bhutan, the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) and the Nippon Sport Science University’s (NSSU) National Coaching Developer Academy (NCDA), Japan, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement aims to develop future-ready coaches, strengthen Bhutan’s sports ecosystem, and position the country as a regional hub for coach education in South Asia.

The MoU marks a significant milestone in Bhutan’s journey toward professionalizing its coaching framework and aligning it with international best practices. Through this partnership, both institutions will collaborate to promote the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and research in coach development and sports science. This collaboration is expected to provide Bhutanese coaches with access to world-class training resources, mentorship, and academic support from Japan’s leading sports university. It also aligns with Bhutan’s long-term vision of enhancing athlete performance and fostering a holistic sports development framework rooted in Olympic values.

Under the agreement, BOC and NCDA will work together in several key areas, including:

• Establishing the Bhutan National Coaching Academy (NCA) as a regional hub for coach development in South Asia.
• Implementing a joint NCDA–BOC Coach Development Program.
• Delivering the complete NCDA Coach Developer Development Program to build future national and regional capacity.
• Reviewing and validating the Foundational Sport Science Course for Bhutan’s coaching curriculum.

“This collaboration represents a major step forward for Bhutan’s sports development,” said Sonam Karma Tshering, Secretary General of the Bhutan Olympic Committee. “With NCDA’s expertise and our shared vision, we aim to create a new generation of qualified and confident coaches who can inspire young athletes and strengthen the sporting foundation of our nation.”

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Masamitsu Ito (PhD), Director of the NCDA, added, “We are honored to partner with the Bhutan Olympic Committee. Together, we will work to promote coaching excellence, support coach educators, and build a culture of learning and growth that benefits not just Bhutan, but the broader South Asian sporting community.”

The partnership between BOC and NCDA symbolizes the beginning of a long-term journey toward excellence, innovation and inclusion, in Bhutanese sports — shaping not just athletes, but leaders and role models for the future.

About NCDA:
Established in 2014, NCDA fosters international coach developers and builds a global professional network in sports coaching. Originally supported by the Japan Sports Agency under the “Sport for Tomorrow” initiative, NCDA continues to lead innovative programs that promote high-quality coaching and positive experiences for all involved in sport.