The Scouts and Sports Division of the Department of Education Programmes remains committed to advancing Sports and Physical Activities (SPA) as a vital component of quality education and youth development. Guided by the philosophy “Youth Development Through Sports,” SPA programmes aim to promote students’ physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being, empowering them to become healthy, confident, productive, and responsible individuals. An emphasis on inclusiveness and mass participation ensures that every child—regardless of age, gender, ability, or background—has the opportunity to participate and benefit from school sports.

Instituted in 2000, the National School Games are organized annually as part of the national School Sports Programme. Competition begins at the Dzongkhag School Sports Meets (DSSMs), progresses to the Regional School Sports Meets (RSSMs) conducted across seven regions on a rotational basis, and culminates at the National School Games. This structured pathway provides students with progressive competitive exposure and wider learning experiences.

At the NSG, both boys and girls compete in basketball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, aerobics, and chess, while football and traditional archery are organized separately at designated venues and dates. In addition to sporting competitions, educational programmes are conducted to ensure meaningful engagement and holistic development of participating students.

For the 17th edition of the Games, the Bhutan Olympic Committee and the National Sports Federations are providing essential technical and developmental support, enhancing the overall quality of competitions and contributing to athlete development. The Games also serve as an important platform for national sports organizations to promote their sports and identify promising student-athletes for future development pathways.

The organizers would like to acknowledge the valued support of key partners contributing to the successful delivery of the Games: Tashi Cell as the Digital Connectivity Partner; Ultimate Bhutan Travel as the Official Fuel Up Squad Partner; Woezer Events as the Stage Design and Sound Partner; and Sarpang Central School as the Venue Partner.

A total of 420 students and 35 escorts from 53 schools across Bhutan will participate in the 17th National School Games 2025, scheduled from 24 to 28 December in Sarpang.