Final Youth Reporter competition was held during the day 1 of the OCA – OS Regional Forum on 2nd April 2025.

The Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC), in partnership with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), hosted the Youth Reporter Competition. Under the theme “Asian Games for All,” the competition provided students with an opportunity to explore the power of storytelling in sports and gain firsthand experience in journalism.

The event was graced by Mr. Sonam Karma Tshering, Secretary General of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, alongside distinguished officials from the Olympic Council of Asia, Olympic Solidarity, and the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. Their presence not only elevated the event but also reinforced the importance of engaging youth in sports and media.

From Classrooms to the Big Stage: A Journey of Aspiring Storytellers

The competition began with an overwhelming response, with over 200 students from four pilot schools stepping up to the challenge. The students were tasked with writing about how the Asian Games unite people through sports, and their submissions reflected passion, insight, and a deep appreciation for the power of sports storytelling. The students were given the task to complete their final article and was collected from each pilot school respectively starting from 21st March to 24th March 2025.

After an intense selection process, the top seven finalists were chosen to compete at the OCA – OS regional forum:

• Dechencholing Higher Secondary School – Pema Yoedsel, Jigme Choden
• Chundu Armed Force Public School – Tenzin Seldon, Sherab Wangdi Norbu
• Khangkhu Middle Secondary School – Meera Regmi, Tenzin Thinley Jamtsho
• Wochu Lower Secondary School – Anmol Rai

Their journey was about to reach new heights, as they were invited to participate in the final round of the competition in front of an esteemed panel of experts.

Before stepping into their final challenge, the finalists had the opportunity to attend an exclusive session led by Mr. Alvin Sally, an eofficial from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

With years of experience in sports media, Mr. Sally captivated the students by sharing insights into the world of journalism, the power of storytelling in capturing sporting moments, and the vital role of reporters in the global sports industry.

“Telling stories in sports is just as important as the game itself,” he emphasized. He praised the students and organizing team for their dedication and highlighted the growing need for young, passionate voices in sports journalism.

The Final Showdown: “Why I Want to Become a Sports Journalist”

With newfound inspiration, the seven finalists were given one last challenge: Write a compelling article on “Why I Want to Become a Sports Journalist” – in just one hour.

The atmosphere was charged with determination, nervous excitement, and anticipation. As pens hit paper, the young participants poured their hearts into their stories, writing about their dreams, their passion for sports, and the power of journalism to inspire and connect people.

Result Declaration

As the moment of truth arrived, the result declaration ceremony was attended by Mr. Sonam Karma Tshering, Secretary General of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, along with officials from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)—Mr. Jian Zhou, Mr. Wissam Trkmani, and Mr. Alvin Sallay—as well as Mr. Fumihito Kanaizuka, an official representing the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya.

Their presence highlighted the significance of the competition, and they took the time to personally commend the students for their enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication to storytelling.

The air was thick with anticipation as Mr. Alvin Sally took the stage to announce the winner. The students held their breath, hearts pounding, as he spoke about the remarkable potential displayed by all the participants.

Then, came the announcement no one saw coming—one exceptional participant would be given a direct entry to the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where they would train under OCA media professionals and gain firsthand experience covering stories at one of Asia’s biggest sporting events.

And the name was called—Meera Regmi.

For a moment, there was silence. Meera sat frozen, eyes wide in disbelief. Then, as reality sank in, the room erupted in applause. Overwhelmed with emotion, joy, and sheer gratitude, she stepped forward, tears brimming in her eyes.

“I can’t believe this is happening. This is a dream come true,” she said, her voice shaking with excitement. “I have always wanted to be a journalist, but I never thought I’d get such a chance so soon. I am incredibly grateful to the Bhutan Olympic Committee, OCA, my teachers, my family, and my friends who supported me. I promise to give my best and make Bhutan proud.”

The Youth Reporter Competition was more than just an event—it was a celebration of young voices, creativity, and ambition. It proved that sports journalism is not just about reporting scores, but about telling the stories that bring games to life.

As Meera prepares to represent Bhutan at the 20th Asian Games, where she will train under professional sports journalists and cover real-time stories, this initiative stands as a an example to the power of opportunity, passion, and belief in young talent.