There is a love for chess in Bhutan

The Bhutanese chess team showed impressive results at the recent Chess Olympiad.

There is a love for chess in Bhutan

The Bhutan Chess Federation was founded in 2004 and was functional until 2013. Then, it went inactive for eight years due to a lack of equipment and professional trainers. 

The good news is, after eight years of inactivity, the Chess Federation has been revived in Thimphu! Now, the organisation is known as the Bhutan Chess Club. The Bhutan Chess Club has professed its goal — to bring together chess-lovers and spread the love of chess among the people of Bhutan. 

As of now, the Bhutanese youth are not particularly exposed to chess. Thus, Ugyen Wangchuk, the general secretary of Bhutan Chess Club, says that the club plans to collaborate with schools and institutions to promote the sport, emphasising that chess enhances creative thinking, planning skills, concentration, and helps cognitive abilities.

At present, the Bhutan Chess Club has around 30 members who meet regularly at Changangkha. The club also has over a hundred online members.

For their dream to become a reality, the Bhutan Chess Club has to first get equipment, then identify players who have the potential to become trainers. Last but not least, they will pick out centres to collaborate with schools. On top of that, the club plans to establish chess centres all over Thimphu, including at bus stops and taxi stands. 

The club also plans to hold online chess competitions.

Bhutan’s impressive chess results at the Chess Olympiad

Bhutan’s potential in chess was on display at the 44th Chess Olympiad held in Chennai, India, from 28 July to 9 August 2022. This was their second appearance at the Olympiad. The first time was in 2014 in Norway. 

More than 2,000 participants from 180 different countries participated in this 2022 tournament.

bhutan chess olympid 2022

Source: Kuensel

On 7 August, the women’s team lost 1-3 to Eswatini. The one victory was achieved by Sonam Choden, and it was her fifth consecutive win. On 8 August, the women’s fate took a turn for the better when they thrashed South Sudan 4-0, earning high praise from the Bhutanese and international spectacles alike.

Their strong standing set them up for a final showing against Cape Verde on 9 August, of which they beat 3-1. 

Meanwhile, the men’s team consistently faced strong opponents but gave their best. They lost 0-4 to Malawi on 7 August. They again lost 3.5-0.5 to Mali on 8 August. The half a point was from Ugyen Wangchuk who managed to chalk up a draw. 

Nonetheless, it was smiles for the men’s team when they celebrated a win on the final day, beating Comoros 3-1. 

In total, the women and men’s teams played 10 matches each. The women beat four teams, whereas the men beat three. Every team member won at least one match. 

chess game bhutan chess federation

At one point, the men’s team was in the second position for the category E prize. Unfortunately, they suffered two consecutive losses and the opportunity was gone. 

One of the women players, Sonam Choden achieved the Women’s Federation Master (WFM) norm with eight wins. Sadly, she did not have enough FIDE (International Chess Federation) rating for the WFM title.

Similarly, men's player Bhakta Monger won six matches and achieved Candidate Master (CM) norm. But once again, he did not have enough FIDE rating. Thus he was not awarded the CM title.

Despite that, having two members of the team almost achieve the Master level title was an impressive feat for the Bhutanese team.

Equally impressive is the teams’ jump in rankings. The women went from 149 in the beginning to 136 at the end of the tournament, while the men’s team shot from 183 to 172.

Another record for the books is the achievements of Pema Yangsel and Lhundrup Namgyal Dorji, the youngest players of the team. They became the youngest Bhutanese chess players to win at a Chess Olympiad.

The captain of the Bhutanese chess team, Captain Palden, is of the opinion that the good results shown by the Bhutanese team is proof that given resources and support, the Bhutanese have the potential to reach great heights in chess.



Related Posts

What are the traditional sports of Bhutan?

The Bhutanese have a variety of traditional sports. Some test your aim and skills, whereas with others, it’s about pure...

Jul 13, 2021 11:15

More Bhutanese youths are engaged in football

Sitting at the 186th position in the FIFA rankings, Bhutan looks to improve its rankings in the years to come.

Aug 03, 2022 20:19

Passion and Purpose: Buddhas, Rockets, and the Road Less...

Nestled on the slopes of Bhutan’s Trongsa district, the quiet village of Chendipji looks much the same as it did sixty...

Aug 14, 2025 15:18

GMC Governor Dr Lotay Tshering Visits Ground-Up Initiative in...

GMC Governor Dr Lotay Tshering visits Ground-Up Initiative’s new site in Khatib, Singapore, gaining insights into...

Aug 13, 2025 16:49

Passion and Purpose: I Came for Work, but Bhutan Changed My Life

In this heartfelt interview, James Low shares how a two-year posting in Bhutan unexpectedly blossomed into a decade-long...

Aug 06, 2025 12:56

Latest

News

Why Everyone Will Soon Flock to Bhutan’s Skies (And You Can Go First)

Be one of the first to stargaze under Bhutan’s crystal-clear Himalayan skies! Join a cosmic journey from October to April with telescopes,...

Sep 05, 2025 10:42

Bhutan to Host Unprecedented Global Peace Prayer Festival in November 2025

Bhutan will host the Global Peace Prayer Festival in November 2025, featuring rare rituals, Kalachakra empowerment, and historic nuns...

Sep 02, 2025 15:43

Features

Passion and Purpose: Buddhas, Rockets, and the Road Less Travelled

Nestled on the slopes of Bhutan’s Trongsa district, the quiet village of Chendipji looks much the same as it did sixty years ago—stone...

Aug 14, 2025 15:18

GMC Governor Dr Lotay Tshering Visits Ground-Up Initiative in Singapore: A Lesson in Community-Led Sustainability

GMC Governor Dr Lotay Tshering visits Ground-Up Initiative’s new site in Khatib, Singapore, gaining insights into community-led...

Aug 13, 2025 16:49

Business

High Altitude, Higher Ambitions: Bhutan Enters the Wine World

Bhutan has officially stepped onto the global wine stage with the debut of The Himalayan, a record-breaking 7.57-litre bottle auctioned by...

May 23, 2025 16:38

Most Popular Bars in Thimphu

Discover Thimphu’s vibrant nightlife, where traditional Bhutanese drinks meet modern cocktails in the city’s top bars and lounges. Unwind...

Feb 10, 2025 16:14

Sports

NBA Stars Visit Bhutan: A Historic Slam Dunk for Local Basketball

For the first time in history, four NBA players have visited Bhutan, igniting nationwide excitement and inspiring a new generation of...

Aug 05, 2025 10:10

Zimbiri Makes History as First Bhutanese Woman Elected to SAFF Executive Committee

Zimbiri has made history as the first Bhutanese woman elected to the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Executive Committee, a landmark...

May 28, 2025 10:49

Tourism

Punakha’s Popular Riverside Retreat, Dzomlingthang Undergoes Transformation

Discover Dzomlingthang, Punakha’s riverside retreat along the Mo Chhu. A beloved picnic spot near Punakha Dzong, now undergoing a Nu 30M...

Sep 03, 2025 14:12

Beyond Phobjikha Why Khotokha is Bhutan’s Hidden Gem

Khotokha Valley in Wangduephodrang is a serene wetland sanctuary, home to endangered Black-necked Cranes and recognised as one of Bhutan’s...

Aug 28, 2025 09:50

Lifestyle

Bhutan Celebrates World Music Day with a Soulful Gathering in Thimphu

Bhutan marked World Music Day with a vibrant concert in Thimphu, featuring over 90 artists despite the rain. Discover how music is shaping...

Jun 23, 2025 16:37

What's in a Name? Discover Bhutan's Unique Naming Tradition

In Bhutan, names are traditionally given by monks and not tied to family lineage. Visitors can experience a traditional naming ceremony at...

Jun 03, 2025 14:04

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app