Ugyen Academy Complete Historic Clean Sweep at BHSSC 2025–26 Nationals

The Pepsi Bhutan Higher Secondary School Championship 2025–26 (Nationals) concluded successfully with competitive matches across age categories, reaffirming the championship’s role as a key platform for school football development in Bhutan. At the conclusion of the Nationals, Ugyen Academy emerged as the most successful school of the tournament, completing a historic clean sweep by winning all four national titles- U16 Boys, U16 Girls, U19 Boys, and U19 Girls.

The U16 National Championships were conducted across two venues, with the U16 Boys competition hosted at Tsirang Artificial Turf and the U16 Girls matches played at UA Artificial Turf. The junior category showcased promising talent and improving tactical awareness among participating schools.

In the U16 Girls final, Ugyen Academy secured a 1–0 victory over Norbugang Central School in a closely contested match. Both teams demonstrated strong defensive organisation, with Ugyen Academy capitalising on a decisive moment to claim the title and manage the game effectively until the final whistle.

The U16 Boys final between Ugyen Academy and Peljorling Higher Secondary School ended in a goalless draw after regulation time. The championship was decided through a penalty shootout, where Ugyen Academy prevailed 4–3, displaying composure and resilience under pressure to lift the U16 Boys title.

The conclusion of the U16 competitions highlighted the steady progress of school football at the junior level and set a positive tone for the senior age group championships.

The focus then shifted to Changlimithang Stadium, Thimphu, where the U19 Boys and Girls National Level Championship brought together the top-performing schools from across the country. The tournament delivered high-intensity matches, emerging talents, and notable results, reflecting the growing competitiveness of school football in Bhutan.

In the U19 Girls competition, Ugyen Academy maintained consistency and discipline throughout the tournament to claim the national title. Motithang Higher Secondary School finished as runners-up following a commendable campaign.

The U19 Boys competition proved to be one of the most competitive editions in recent years. Ugyen Academy emerged as champions, while Gedu Higher Secondary School secured the runners-up position after an impressive run.

One of the major highlights of the championship was Gedu HSS’s semifinal victory over two-time runners-up Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School, a result that marked a significant turning point in the tournament. Additionally, the league stage produced an unexpected outcome, with reigning champions Gelephu Higher Secondary School failing to register a win, underscoring the increasing depth and competitiveness of school football nationwide.

Individual performances were recognised as part of the championship’s closing ceremony. Ugyen Lhamo of Ugyen Academy and Ngawang Sonam of Ugyen Academy were awarded the Top Goal Scorer honours in the U19 Girls and Boys categories, respectively. The Best Goalkeeper awards were presented to Jigme Choden of Rangjung Central School (U19 Girls) and Binod Ghalley of Gedu Higher Secondary School (U19 Boys). The Most Valuable Player awards were claimed by Pema Selden Dorji (U19 Girls) and Chimi Dorji (U19 Boys), both representing Ugyen Academy.

The successful completion of the Pepsi Bhutan Higher Secondary School Championship 2025–26 (Nationals) reflects the continued collaboration between the Bhutan Football Federation, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, participating schools, match officials, volunteers, and the Local Organising Committee.

The championship continues to serve as an important pathway for talent identification and development, contributing to the long-term growth of football in Bhutan. The performances witnessed across all age categories highlight the positive impact of structured competitions in strengthening the school football ecosystem nationwide.