Bhutan U16 Head Coach believes in football with happiness and hopes his young and new side will gain experience from the South Asia – Japan U16 Football Exchange Four Nations tournament.

Bhutan team Manager Gagan Rai had this to on the side’s preparation for this tournament.

“We only had a short time to prepare for the U16 team. We selected the squad from the winter coaching camps. We only had around 1-2 months to train.”

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“This is the team’s first international match and this is a very young side. The coaching staff has done everything possible and given their best for the players. We hope to have a great stay here and to have a better experience,” he added.

WATCH LIVE : Sri Lanka v Bhutan | South Asia Japan U16 Four Nations | 12th March

In Bhutan players are selected through a process where the Ministry of Education conducts two school level competitions; one for the class 10 and below while the other is for class 11 & 12. From there the best teams from the districts come to the national competition which is held in December.

At the national competition the Bhutan Football Federation selectors and technical directors does the selections.

Photos Album : Bhutan Practice Session – (South Asia – Japan U16 Four Nations)

“Cannot give concrete answers about who will be the key players but we totally believes is happiness football. Through happiness football can be great and when they enjoy, players can learn a lot. They enjoy and go on to like the game,” Head Coach Songjun Lee mentioned.

Bhutan Captain Karma Tshulthrim was concerned about the unfamiliar ground conditions.

“In Bhutan we play on artificial turf. Comparing to artificial turf and the soft ground here it is difficult to adapt and also with the weather as we come from a high altitude level. It will affect us.”

Bhutan U16 Squad

Loday Wangchuk – Kinley Dorji – Dorji Khando – Sherub Dorji – Karma Tshulthrim © – Kelzang Jigmi – Tobden Drakpa – Jigdrel – Siddarth Gurung – Jigme Phuntsho – Pema Gyeltshen Lepcha – Phuntsho Rabgay – Dendup Namgyel – Tenzin Dorji – Kinga Wangchuk – Tshelthrim Namgyel – Karma Chetrim – Tenzin Gyeltshen    

Songjun Lee (Head Coach) – Chencho Dorji (Assistant Coach) – Gagan Rai (Team Manager)