Bhutan and Japan Celebrate 40 Years of Friendship Through Football
Thimphu, Bhutan: Football took centre stage at Changlimithang Stadium as the Bhutan National U-15 Football Team faced Japan’s FC Imabari Academy Team in a special friendly exhibition match held to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Bhutan and Japan. The match brought together young footballers from both countries, providing an opportunity to compete, learn and build connections through football.
Bhutan made a strong start to the match, taking a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes. The young Dragon players continued their efforts throughout the match and eventually secured a 2-0 victory over the FC Imabari Academy Team.
The kick-off ceremony was graced by H.E. Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade; Ambassador Sonam Tobgay, Director-General, Department of Bilateral Affairs; and Mr. Tashi Peljor, Chief, APD, BD.
Also in attendance were Dasho Ugen Tsechup, President of the Bhutan Football Federation; Pema Dorji, Vice President; Ugyen Wangchhuk, General Secretary; members of the BFF Executive Committee; and officials from the Bhutan Football Federation.
The friendly match forms part of a broader football exchange between the Bhutan Football Federation and FC Imabari, with BFF Academy U-15 players gaining valuable exposure through the FC Imabari Japan Exchange Programme. The exchange provides young players with an opportunity to experience a different football environment, compete against international opposition and learn from one another both on and off the pitch.
Beyond the result, the programme aims to create lasting connections among young players and promote cultural understanding through football. For the young Bhutanese players, the experience offers valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline, adaptability and international football, while also allowing them to build friendships with their counterparts from Japan.
As Bhutan and Japan mark four decades of diplomatic relations, the U-15 friendly serves as an example of how sport can bring people together and strengthen people-to-people connections. Through the exchange, young footballers from Bhutan and Japan are not only sharing the pitch, but also sharing experiences, cultures and friendships.
Football continues to provide a platform for connection and exchange, and this special programme celebrates the enduring friendship between Bhutan and Japan through the next generation of players.