President
His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck
Message from HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck,
Hon’ble President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee
As I write this message, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the spirit of our nation and the incredible potential of our youth. Sports in Bhutan have always been more than just a competition; they are a way to bring us together, to inspire us, and to showcase the very best of who we are as a people. In a country where Gross National Happiness guides our journey, sports are a vital thread in the fabric of our unity, health, and shared dreams.
Our vision for the development of sports in Bhutan is ambitious, yet deeply rooted in our cultural ethos. We aspire to build a vibrant sporting culture, where every young Bhutanese, regardless of their background, can discover and develop their talent. By staying true to the values of integrity, fairness, and inclusivity, we ensure that sports reflect the principles that define us as a nation. Transparency and accountability will be our guiding principles as we work towards a future that is financially sustainable and rich in opportunity for all.
At the heart of this mission lies the nurturing of talent among our youth. By strengthening grassroots programs, improving access to quality facilities, and creating pathways for international exposure, we aim to empower our athletes to compete at the highest levels. Their victories—on and off the field—will not only bring pride to Bhutan but also inspire countless others to dream bigger and work harder.
Sports also give Bhutan a voice beyond our borders. As a small nation, every achievement on the global stage is a reminder of what is possible when we come together with passion and determination. This is the soft power of sports: the ability to build friendships, foster understanding, and share our story with the world. To fully harness this power, we must all play our part—whether as athletes, coaches, families, sponsors, or supporters. Collaboration and open communication will be key to turning our shared vision into reality.
As we embark on this journey, I invite each of you to embrace the transformative energy of sports. Let us celebrate every effort, learn from every setback, and remain united in our pursuit of excellence. Together, we can create a future where sports are not just a source of joy and pride but also a powerful force for growth, unity, and happiness in Bhutan.
These are heartfelt prayers, hopes and aspirations for sports in Bhutan.
The Career Highlights
His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck
His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck was born on July 16, 1984, to His Majesty the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck and Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.
Education
Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck received his early education in Thimphu and completed high school at Choate Rosemary Hall, Connecticut, USA, in 2003. He participated in the junior varsity basketball and volleyball teams, during his time there. He pursued a BA. in Modern History and Political Science at St. Peter’s College, Oxford University, and graduated with distinction in 2007, earning an Honorary Master’s degree. In 2012, His Royal Highness attended two intensive courses at INSEAD, Transition to General Management and Leading for Results at its Singapore and Fontainebleau campuses.
Significant Delegations
Prince Jigyel oversaw the highest-ever delegation of Bhutanese athletes and officials at the 13th South Asian Games in 2019 in Kathmandu-Pokhara, Nepal; with 145 participants. Additionally, he led 49 officials and athletes at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China; in 2022, marking the largest representation in the continental games in Bhutan’s history.
As His Majesty’s Representative, HRH led the delegation from Bhutan, to the Summit on Sport and Sustainable Development in July 2024, which was hosted against the backdrop of the Paris Olympic Games, by the French Presidency and the International Olympic Committee, and supported by the Agence Francoise de Development (AFD). This Summit brought together Heads of States and government, leaders of international organisations, athletes and representatives of the sporting movement, and development finance leaders.
Awards
In October 2007, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck awarded Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck the Royal Scarf and Sword. He also received the Royal Order of Bhutan (Druk Thuksey, meaning “Heart Son of the Thunder Dragon”) on behalf of the Bhutan Olympic Committee during the 116th National Day of Bhutan on December 17, 2023.
The Druk Thuksey, meaning “Heart Son of the Thunder Dragon,” is a prestigious medal established by His Majesty the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1966. It is awarded to individuals/organizations who have significantly contributed to the socio-economic, religious, and political development of Bhutan.
Athletic Participation
His Royal Highness has actively participated in various sporting events, showcasing his commitment to athletics. Notable achievements include competing in the 300M Big Bore event at the 56th National Shooting Championship held from April 15-20, 2013, in Hyderabad, India, and participating in the Chiang Mai Enduro Mountain Biking competition in the elite men’s downhill category on December 1, 2019, in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Additionally, he won the India House Golf Tournament held at the India House in Bhutan on December 4, 2023, demonstrating his versatility across different sports.
Personal Interests
His Royal Highness is deeply committed to serving the King, country, and people of Bhutan. He enjoys traveling to remote areas and exploring the natural beauty and diverse cultures of his homeland. An avid catch-and-release fly fisherman, he participates in various outdoor activities, including rafting and horse riding. His Royal Highness is skilled in both traditional and compound archery and engages in sports such as basketball, football, cycling, and shooting. He also enjoys playing chess and backgammon, reflecting his strategic mindset and love for friendly competition. Additionally, his passion for reading and exploring nature complements his active lifestyle.
Service
Commissioned into the Royal Bhutan Army in 2003 following his training with the Royal Body Guards, Prince Jigyel actively served since then. He has been a trustee of the Tarayana Foundation since 2003, focusing on grassroots-level poverty reduction initiatives. Returning to Bhutan in 2007, upon completion of his studies in the United Kingdom, he assisted His Majesty the King in implementing social welfare initiatives for needy sections of society.
In 2008, His Royal Highness led a delegation of 145 Bhutanese artisans, farmers, Buddhist monks, and officials to the 42nd Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. This was Bhutan’s largest event organized outside the country, attended by more than a million visitors, effectively showcasing Bhutan’s cultural identity. The Prince also spoke at the Asia Society in New York City and led a cultural delegation to the University of Texas at El Paso, known for its representation of Bhutanese architecture in America.
In August 2009, he was appointed as His Majesty’s Representative to the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC). Upon his election as the President of the Bhutan Olympic committee in 2009, he heads Bhutan’s premier sports body, which encompasses 15 Federations, 15 Dzongkhag Sports Associations, and 6 Associations. His Royal Highness is tasked with promoting sports within the country, particularly among the youth, and representing Bhutan to the international sports community. He has led and implemented a comprehensive 10-year roadmap for the BOC, focusing on significant reforms and developments in sports and successfully integrating them into the National Development Agenda. His Royal Highness oversees all activities and initiatives of the BOC, ensuring that Bhutan’s sporting framework aligns with both local and international standards.
In this role, he has significantly promoted sports among youth in Bhutan, overseeing reforms that have diversified the sporting landscape beyond traditional archery to include judo, swimming, cycling, skateboarding, and e-sports. Bhutanese athletes have actively participated in the Olympics in many more events, highlighting the country’s growing commitment to sports.
His Royal Highness established the Bhutan Paralympics Committee in September 2017, and Bhutan made its debut in the 2018 Asian Para Games at Jakarta with two athletes; an archer and a shooter. In the 2020 Paralympics held in Tokyo, Bhutan was represented by two athletes in athletics and one in archery. In the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Bhutan sent one shooter. Bhutan is among the youngest National Paralympic Committees (NPC) in the world and is a proud member of both the Asian Paralympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee. NPC Bhutan also became a member of the Bhutan Olympic Committee in February 2018, further solidifying its commitment to sports for all, in the nation.
His engagement in the sports sector requires frequent travel across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America to attend sports events and meetings, and seek opportunities for developing sports in Bhutan. Since 2015, he has chaired the Olympic Council of Asia’s International Relations Committee. In 2018, he was elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee and has served on its Sustainability and Legacy Commission since 2020.
Most recently, His Royal Highness was elected as Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) for South Asia for the 2024-2028 term on September 8, 2024, during the 44th OCA General Assembly in New Delhi. He secured overwhelming support with 42 votes in favor, reflecting the confidence in his leadership to advance sports in the region. In this role, His Royal Highness will play a crucial part in promoting Olympic values and enhancing sports development across South Asia.
Key Initiatives and Events
In 2009, he inaugurated “The Dragon’s Gift: The Sacred Arts of Bhutan” at the Musée Guimet in Paris, the first exhibition of its kind in Europe.
In 2010, he initiated the Tour of the Dragon, a mountain bike race that covers 268 km across Bhutan, now held annually. In 2013, he developed The King’s Challenge, a 14-day journey emphasizing sustainable development in youth and the environment.
His Royal Highness established the Bhutan International Marathon, which was first held in 2014. The inaugural event attracted nearly 40 international participants among a total of 250 runners. In the following years, participation grew, with international runners contributing to nearly 40% of the total participants. The marathon promotes fitness and health while highlighting Bhutan’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It attracts both local and international runners, fostering a spirit of community and friendly competition.
In March 2014, HRH became a member of the Explorers Club and was honored as an Honorary Director during The Explorers Club Annual Dinner in New York. In May 2015, HRH was unanimously re-elected as President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee for the term 2015-2019.
In June 2015, HRH founded Bhutan Philanthropic Ventures, the first social enterprise in Bhutan aimed at providing financial sustainability to the Tarayana Foundation and leading philanthropic initiatives. In September 2015, at the 34th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia, HRH was appointed as the Chairman of the International Relations Committee and is now a member of the Executive Board of the OCA.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, His Royal Highness served as His Majesty’s Representative in the Gelephu Region (South) of Bhutan from 2020 to 2022. He effectively managed the crisis by coordinating the regional response and ensuring the implementation of public health measures.
In addition to overseeing health protocols, he also addressed southern border issues, ensuring the safe movement of people and goods while mitigating health risks. Collaborating closely with local authorities and health officials, he established protocols for testing, vaccination, and community outreach. His efforts not only provided essential services and tackled immediate health concerns but also strengthened border management, contributing to the region’s stability and safety. Through his leadership, he demonstrated a strong commitment to the well-being of the community during this challenging time.
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