The Bhutan Taekwondo Federation (BTF) is the national governing body for taekwondo in Bhutan. Founded in 1985 and a member of World Taekwondo since its establishment, the BTF oversees more than 30,000 practitioners organised under 18 Dzongkhag Taekwondo Associations and 198 school and private clubs. Taekwondo is the most widely practised non-traditional sport in Bhutan. The federation is led by President Chhewang Rinzin and Secretary General Grandmaster Yonten Tharchen, who has served the organisation for nearly four decades.
The Bhutan Taekwondo Federation (BTF) is the national governing body for taekwondo in Bhutan. Founded in 1985 and a member of World Taekwondo since its establishment, the BTF oversees more than 30,000 practitioners organised under 18 Dzongkhag Taekwondo Associations comprising 198 school clubs and private clubs. Additional affiliated bodies include the Thromde Taekwondo Association, the Royal University Taekwondo Association, the Armed Forces Taekwondo Association, and the Paralympics Taekwondo Association of Bhutan. Taekwondo is the most widely practised non-traditional sport in the country.[1]
History
The BTF was established in 1985 with the primary objective of training and strengthening Bhutanese taekwondo enthusiasts in body, mind, and spirit through the art's teachings. The federation became a member of World Taekwondo in the same year, integrating Bhutan into the global taekwondo community. From its headquarters in Thimphu, the BTF developed a nationwide infrastructure that extended the sport from the capital to all 20 dzongkhags (districts), with 18 maintaining formal Dzongkhag Taekwondo Associations.[2]
Since its founding, the BTF has accumulated 201 medals from international competitions: 51 gold, 56 silver, and 94 bronze. The federation has close to 24,000 registered members from across the country, while an additional number of casual practitioners brings the total participant base to more than 30,000.[3]
Leadership
The BTF is led by President Chhewang Rinzin and Secretary General Grandmaster Yonten Tharchen. Tharchen, one of the most senior civil servants in Bhutan's sports sector, has served as Secretary General for nearly four decades and is credited as the founder of taekwondo in Bhutan. His contribution extends beyond taekwondo to the development of multiple sports nationally. In recognition of his service, the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) awarded Tharchen a Lifetime Service Award, presented by BOC President Sonam Karma Tshering. The honour recognises the Bhutanese ideal of Tsa-Wa-Sum — service to the nation, the King, and the people.[4]
Organisational Structure
The BTF headquarters in Thimphu houses three divisions: Administration and Finance, Taekwondo Development, and the Technical Division. The federation coordinates the 18 Dzongkhag Taekwondo Associations and their 198 constituent school and private clubs. Additional specialised associations serve the country's municipalities (Thromde), the Royal University system, the armed forces, and para-taekwondo athletes.[5]
International Competition
Bhutanese taekwondo athletes have represented the country at the Youth Olympic Games, with Chimi Wangmo competing at the 2010 Youth Olympics and Tshering Yangchen at the 2018 Youth Olympics. The federation has not yet qualified athletes for the senior Olympic Games, though the sport's nationwide participation base provides a growing talent pipeline. BTF athletes regularly compete in Asian and international taekwondo championships.[6]
Infrastructure Development
The BTF has undertaken a major infrastructure project with the construction of an international-standard taekwondo facility at the swimming pool complex in Thimphu. Funded 95 per cent by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the facility will feature four fighting areas, seating for up to 1,200 spectators, training areas, a museum dedicated to the sport, and a cafeteria. The centre is expected to enable Bhutan to host international taekwondo championships for the first time. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by members of the Bhutanese royal family.[7]
Civil Service Recognition
In a notable acknowledgement of the BTF's institutional culture, the federation honoured long-serving employees with civil service awards, reflecting the organisation's integration into Bhutan's public sector framework. The BTF has operated not merely as a sports body but as an instrument of youth development and national identity, aligned with the country's Gross National Happiness philosophy.[8]
See Also
References
- Bhutan Taekwondo Federation. "Profile." https://bhutantaekwondo.bt/profile/
- Bhutan Olympic Committee. "Bhutan Taekwondo." https://bhutanolympiccommittee.org/bhutan-taekwondo/
- Inside the Games. "Bhutan Taekwondo Federation secretary general honoured by NOC." https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1131720/bhutan-taekwondo-federation
- Inside the Games. "Bhutan Taekwondo Federation secretary general honoured by NOC." https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1131720/bhutan-taekwondo-federation
- Bhutan Taekwondo Federation. "Profile." https://bhutantaekwondo.bt/profile/
- Olympedia. "Bhutan in Taekwondo." https://www.olympedia.org/countries/BHU/sports/TKW.3
- Inside the Games. "Prince attends groundbreaking for Bhutan's Taekwondo centre." https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1133217/bhutan-opening-new-taekwondo-centre
- Inside the Games. "Bhutan Taekwondo Federation honours long-serving employees." https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1102605/bhutan-taekwondo-federation-civil-award
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