The Pulse of Play at Work

This editorial is based on a conversation between Victor Gurung and Tobgay Dorji, Manager of Marketing and Research at Bhutan Insurance Limited, sharing their personal experiences with sports and insights on how corporates can support athletic development in Bhutan.

Over a casual coffee, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tobgay Dorji, Manager of Marketing and Research at Bhutan Insurance Limited (BIL). What began as a simple thank-you for BIL’s role in supporting sports quickly turned into a fascinating conversation about the power of sports in shaping corporate culture, community, and national development.

Curious, I asked him, “Do you play sports?” Tobgay surprised me: he is a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, and actively practices boxing, judo, and Muay Thai. His personal dedication to sports is reflected throughout BIL, where many employees actively participate in different sports. Tobgay shared with a smile that this shared passion has created a vibrant and energetic workplace, fostering collaboration, proactivity, and strong bonds among colleagues.

“Sports strengthens us as individuals, as colleagues, and as a community,” he said. “When we embrace it fully, inside and outside the office, we all win.”

This culture enriches the workplace. When employees engage in sports, it encourages teamwork, discipline, and a shared sense of purpose, making the office a lively and collaborative space.

Beyond internal impact, BIL has also extended its commitment to the broader sports ecosystem in Bhutan. In December 2025, the company signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with the Bhutan Paralympic Committee, providing resources and support to develop para-athletes, enhance training programs, and prepare for major competitions.

This initiative demonstrates that corporate support can go far beyond sponsorship logos, creating real, long-term impact.

Para-athletes and underrepresented sports communities gain access to structured opportunities, companies strengthen their role in society, and the nation benefits from a stronger sporting culture. Tobgay explained that aligning internal values with external action has been key to this approach. Employees’ love for sports naturally flows into meaningful partnerships and initiatives that elevate the community.

The story of Bhutan Insurance Limited offers a model for other companies looking to make a positive difference in sports. Support for athletic programs, mentorship, and long-term engagement can foster not only employee well-being and team spirit, but also national pride and development. Sports becomes a bridge connecting workplace culture, social responsibility, and community growth.

“Sports is not just a pastime here,” Tobgay reflected. “It strengthens us as individuals, colleagues, and as a community. When corporates embrace this fully, the benefits ripple far beyond the office.”

Bhutan Insurance Limited shows that when a company embraces sports, not just as a pastime but as a way of life, it creates ripples far beyond the office walls. Employees grow stronger, teams grow closer, and communities thrive. This is the kind of leadership that nurtures talent, builds culture, and inspires a nation. Sports, in the hands of corporates who care, becomes more than a game; it becomes a movement.