World Aquatics unveils Bhutan's first-ever competition pool

A collaboration between World Aquatics and the Bhutan Aquatics Federation has seen the opening of the Kingdom of Bhutan's first ever competition pool.

Developed as part of World Aquatics' Pools for All program, the 8 lane, 25 metre high-altitude pool is not only the first competition pool in Bhutan bus is also the highest swimming pool in the world, standing at an altitude of 2400 metres.

Representing a significant milestone for the participation in aquatic sports across the country, the opening of the pool fits as part of Pools for All's aim to guarantee that every National Member Federation of World Aquatics has access to high level aquatics facilities for the promotion of aquatic sport.

Welcoming the opening on the new facility, World Aquatics President, Husain Al-Musallam stated "we are immensely proud to have collaborated with the Bhutan Aquatics Federation to bring this project to fruition. Together, we can create opportunities for and inspire athletes and aquatics enthusiasts across Bhutan."

Kinley Lhendup and Sangay Tenzin, swimmers hailing from Bhutan and training at the World Aquatics Training Centre in Phuket, Thailand, shared their thoughts on the importance of the pool inauguration for enhancing aquatic involvement throughout their nation.

Lhendup advised "growing up as swimmers dreaming of competing on the world stage without a pool to learn or train in has presented challenges to overcome.

"Today, Bhutan dives into a new era of aquatics. I couldn't be more excited about what this facility in Thimphu means not only for Sangay and me personally but especially for the future of aquatic sports in our country."

Tokyo 2020 Olympian and Olympic Solidarity scholarship holder Tenzin, added "as we inaugurate Bhutan's first pool … I am incredibly proud. Today marks a victory for all lovers of aquatic sport."

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of dignitaries from World Aquatics, the Bhutan Olympic Committee, local and regional authorities, presidents of Bhutanese national federations representing four Olympic sports, and officials from the Bhutan Department of Tourism.

Sonam Karma Tshering, President of the Bhutan Aquatics Federation, explained in a press release, went on to advise "the Pools For All facility not only opens doors for competitive swimming but also serves as a fantastic facility for our youth to develop their love for and talent in aquatics sports.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to World Aquatics for their unwavering support and partnership.”

Images courtesy of Rami Reddy Kona/World Aquatics.