Agency: As Bhutan prepares to celebrate the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, the nation reflects not only on the extraordinary leadership that shaped modern Bhutan, but also on the lesser-known story of a King whose athletic spirit and love for basketball changed the way young Bhutanese viewed sports and discipline.
His Majesty, lovingly known as K4, has always been admired for his energy, humility, and athletic grace. From trekking across rugged terrains to joining students and soldiers in games of football, archery, and basketball, His Majesty embodied strength, teamwork, and focus. Among all the sports he played, basketball stood out as one that mirrored his sharpness and speed. It was through his influence that basketball found a home in Bhutanese hearts, eventually becoming one of the most loved sports in the country.
The story of basketball in Bhutan began in the 1960s when Dasho Paljor Jigme Dorji, popularly known as Dasho Benji, returned from his studies in Darjeeling. Having learned basketball from Canadian Jesuit teachers, Dasho Benji introduced the game to the royal family and taught the young Prince Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The young prince took to the game instantly, learning its rules, rhythm, and discipline with remarkable ease. What began as a lesson soon became a lifelong passion.
When His Majesty ascended the Golden Throne in 1972 at the age of sixteen, he carried his love for sports into his leadership. He believed that physical strength and mental resilience went hand in hand with national development. During the 1970s and 1980s, schools and institutions began constructing basketball courts, inspired by His Majesty’s example. He was often seen joining games with students, soldiers, and civil servants, playing not to impress, but to encourage. His Majesty’s sharp passes, quick dribbles, and precise shooting inspired awe and admiration. Those who played alongside him recall that he was a true team player, leading by example and teaching that sports were about unity, humility, and collective effort.