His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck
Welcomes Olympic Leaders to Bhutan
The much-anticipated OCA & OS Regional Forum 2025 commenced with grandeur and purpose, graced by the esteemed presence of His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck. Delegates from 24 National Olympic Committees, representing East, South and South East regions of Asia, gathered in Bhutan’s capital to deliberate on the Olympic Solidarity’s new Olympiad Plan and the strengthening of sporting ties across Asia.
In his powerful opening speech, HRH His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen extended a warm welcome on behalf of His Majesty The King, the Royal Government, and the Bhutan Olympic Committee. He underscored Bhutan’s deep-rooted belief in the unifying power of sports, emphasizing how it aligns with the nation’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness.
“Sport is a way of life in Bhutan,” he remarked. “It is central to our national philosophy, serving as a pathway to well-being, resilience, and compassion. This belief is not unique to us—it is shared across Asia and reflected in the values of the Olympic Movement.”
The forum, supported by the Olympic Council of Asia and Olympic Solidarity, serves as a vital platform to reinforce collaboration among National Olympic Committees. Delegations from the Games Organising Committees of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Japan joined in, highlighting the diverse yet unified spirit of the Olympic Movement.
HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck stated that, “the true power of sport is not measured in medals or rankings alone, but in its ability to unite, uplift, and inspire,” he stated passionately.”
With an emphasis on inclusivity, HRH reiterated that the mission of the forum had to be to ensure that every athlete—regardless of geography, gender, or circumstance—had the opportunity to compete and excel on the global stage.
HRH also took this opportunity to extend Bhutan’s heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Kirsty Coventry on her election as the new President of the International Olympic Committee, pledging Bhutan’s full support for her leadership.
“This forum is more than a meeting—it is a meeting of purpose,” HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck noted. “To achieve our collective goals, we must work together—governments, National Olympic Committees, international federations, and the entire Olympic community—united in mission and values.”
With discussions set to continue in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and later on in Kuwait at the 45th OCA General Assembly, the OCA & OS Regional Forum 2025 marks the beginning of a promising chapter in fostering global sporting solidarity.
The Olympic flame burns brighter as Asia stands united, proving once again that sport is a force for peace, unity, and progress
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