HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck Attends IOC Presidential Handover Ceremony and Olympic Day Celebrations

PRESS RELEASE
Lausanne, 23 June 2025

His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee and Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), attended the historic IOC Presidential Handover Ceremony and participated in the Olympic Day Celebrations held in Lausanne.

HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck Attends IOC Presidential Handover Ceremony and Olympic Day Celebrations — Lausanne | Switzerland
IOC PRESIDENT
HAND OVER CEREMONY
Photograph: IOC/Quinton Meyer

The day began at Olympic House, where Mr. Thomas Bach formally handed over the IOC presidency to Ms. Kirsty Coventry. Ms. Coventry made history as the first woman and the first African to be elected President of the IOC. The celebrations continued at The Olympic Museum, where IOC Members gathered to mark the Olympic Day Celebration together.

HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck congratulated President Coventry and expressed his heartfelt appreciation to outgoing President Bach for his outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to the Olympic Movement.

The ceremony also reinforced Bhutan’s growing role in the international sporting community. As an IOC Member, HRH Prince Jigyel reaffirmed Bhutan’s continued commitment to promoting the Olympic values, which continue to shape the nation’s vision for sport as a force for unity, inspiration, and a better tomorrow.