BPL

For thousands of Bhutanese fans, the Changlimithang National Stadium is a place of passion, pride, and unforgettable football memories. But behind every perfectly prepared matchday, behind every clean technical area, behind every smooth-running event, stands a man whose dedication often goes unseen: Sunil Subba, a groundsman who has quietly become one of the most essential pillars of Bhutan’s football operations. Originally from Lhamoizingkha under Dagana, Sunil never imagined his life would one day revolve around football turf, stadium tunnels, and late-night match preparations. Before joining the Bhutan Football Federation (BFF), he worked as an independent entrepreneur running an arts and prints business until 2018 before he joined Bhutan Football Federation. Six years later, Sunil has become a familiar face at Changlimithang Stadium, a man whose love for the game and dedication to his duties make him far more than just a groundskeeper. Sunil has always been a football fan long before he became a staff member. Working inside Changlimithang has allowed him to watch countless national and international matches, a privilege he cherishes deeply. Over the years, he has met many great Bhutanese players, something he describes as an honour he never expected to experience. Sunil’s day begins like a clock set in motion often from 10 AM and sometimes stretching beyond midnight, depending on fixtures and event requirements. From pitch inspections to matchday preparations, his job demands consistency, physical endurance, and an unshakeable sense of responsibility. Many of the tasks he performs go unnoticed by the public, yet they are vital to ensuring flawless match execution. These include: Venue preparation: Pasting AD boards, setting up press conference spaces, and ensuring all event areas are clean and organized. Pitch and equipment checks: Assessing turf safety, preparing extra balls, checking first-aid kits, and arranging spare kits and refreshments. Facility management: Cleaning dressing rooms, removing litter, and ensuring all areas leave a positive impression on teams and officials. General stadium upkeep: Maintaining cleanliness across VIP/VVIP galleries, technical zones, and stands before and after every match. Every detail matters player safety, match readiness, and the stadium’s overall atmosphere depend heavily on the efforts of Sunil and his team. Maintaining a football pitch in Bhutan is no easy task. Sunil navigates extreme weather patterns, heavy monsoon rains, and altitude-related climate variations. Monsoon seasons bring waterlogging that can damage turf and suspend matches. Freezing winters make the ground brittle and unsafe. Hotter regions cause grass stress, demanding strategic irrigation. Despite these challenges, he prepares pitches through strategic aeration, drainage inspection, and constant monitoring always prioritizing pitch safety over rushed preparation. Some of the most essential tools in his work include turf cleaners, grass cutters, and manual equipment used daily to maintain field reliability. Among many tournaments and international fixtures he has worked on, certain memories stand out. For Sunil, watching Paro FC defeat Abu Muslim FC and witnessing Bhutan’s victory over Hong Kong: China remain moments of pure pride. Knowing that he and his team worked tirelessly behind the scenes makes each win feel like a personal achievement. Sunil believes fans are the heartbeat of Bhutanese football. Their presence, their cheers, and their unwavering loyalty make the players stronger and the sport more vibrant. “Every roar, every chant, and every shared moment of joy pushes the game forward,” he says with pride. “Fans inspire players, motivate workers like us, and strengthen Bhutan’s football community.” He encourages supporters to continue embodying the spirit of respect, passion, and sportsmanship that defines Bhutanese football. Their support, he says, helps grow the game from grassroots pitches to the international stage. Subba may not wear a team jersey or score goals, but the game depends on people like him, people who work in silence, yet contribute massively to the beauty, safety, and success of Bhutanese football. From the lush green pitch to the spotless stadium corridors, Sunil’s hard work is woven into every match that fans enjoy. He is one of the many unsung heroes ensuring that Bhutan’s football shines bright, match after match, season after season.