January 12: Thimphu Dzongkhag’s women team has won the inter Dzongkhag women’s football championship. They defeated the Pemagatsel team 3-0 in the final match which was held at the Bajothang Higher Secondary School football ground yesterday.

Three minutes into the game, Doenka, the team captain of Thimphu Dzongkhag scored a goal. The Pemagatsel team fought hard to equalize before the half time. However they could not break through the strong defense of Thimphu team.

The hope for an equalizer came to an end when Thimphu Dzongkhag netted two more goals after the second half.

The winner of the championship received a trophy and a cash prize of Nu. 15,000. The runners up received Nu. 10,000 and a runner’s up trophy.

The fair play trophy of the tournament went to Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag. Ngawang Choden from Pemagatsel team received the best player’s trophy while Nima Maya Rai from Tsirang team received the highest scorer’s trophy. She scored seven goals in the tournament.

Organized by Bhutan Football Federation (BFF), the tournament was held to form an under 17 women’s national team.

50 girls have been selected for further coaching. The best players among them will be selected to form the under 17 national women’s team.

The national women’s football coach, Kota said the standard of women’s football in Bhutan has improved.

The inter Dzongkhag women’s championship was started in 2006. This year 15 teams from 15 Dzongkhags took part in the tournament.