Inauguration of FIFA Arena

Changjiji, Thimphu | 28 February 2026

The Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) officially inaugurated the FIFA Arena Project 2026 ground at Loseling Middle Secondary School in Changjiji this morning, marking another important step in strengthening football infrastructure in Bhutan.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, who attended as the Guest of Honour. Also in attendance were Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa, FIFA Regional Director for Member Associations (Asia and Oceania) Sanjeevan C. Balasingam, representatives from the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, officials from FIFA, the Bhutan Olympic Committee, as well as the principal, teachers, and students of Loseling Middle Secondary School.

The program began with the traditional Marchang ceremony, a sacred Bhutanese offering performed to invoke blessings, remove obstacles, and ensure the success of significant milestones. The ceremony set an auspicious tone for the inauguration of the new facility.

In his opening address, Dasho Ugen Tsechup, President of the Bhutan Football Federation, highlighted the broader vision behind the initiative.

“In a mountainous nation like ours, where quality playing space is limited, these mini pitches will transform the future of football. We want to ensure that no child in Bhutan has to travel miles to find a proper ball and a safe field; we want football at the doorstep of every Bhutanese home. With the visionary support of FIFA and the blessings of His Royal Highness, it is our dream and mission to establish 100 mini pitches across every Dzongkhag and school in the country. We assure FIFA that your trust and investment in Bhutan will bear fruit that will make you proud.”

Bhutan has already successfully installed two high-quality mini-pitches under the FIFA Arena initiative, one at Loseling Middle Secondary School in Thimphu and another at Tenduk Central School,  reinforcing the federation’s commitment to ensuring access to professional-standard playing surfaces for young football enthusiasts.

During the ceremony, Mr. Sanjeevan C. Balasingam presented the official FIFA Arena pennant to the BFF President, symbolising the strong partnership and shared vision between FIFA and Bhutanese football authorities in advancing the game at the grassroots level.

The highlight of the morning followed as His Royal Highness formally inaugurated the FIFA Arena ground, marking a proud and forward-looking milestone for Bhutanese football. Guests were later invited to experience the facility firsthand and observe a grassroots football session featuring 20 young players, showcasing the project’s core mission to inspire and empower the next generation through sport.

The program concluded with the formal handover of the FIFA Arena ground to Loseling Middle Secondary School, ensuring that the facility will serve as a long-term hub for school and community football development.

The inauguration of the FIFA Arena Project 2026 in Changji stands as a powerful testament to Bhutan’s growing investment in football infrastructure and youth development,  laying the foundation for future generations to dream, play, and excel.