In an endeavour to inculcate cricket in the administrative sporting consciousness of the country, Bhutan has held its first ever internal Umpiring Course last month. Eight Paro district teachers took part along with twelve trainees from the National Institute of Education, three of whom were women.

The intensive day-long course was conducted by Umpire Dorji along with coaches Tobgay and Sonam Phuntsho. The Paro District Coaching Coordinator, Dorji (Level II Accredited) is Bhutan's most experienced umpire and stood recently in the ACC U-15 Challenge Cup.

The introductory course involved theory, question and answer and practical sessions. After the course, the participants were also taught basic cricket skills and took part in game-simulations. Umpiring courses like this will also be conducted in other districts in Bhutan.

Filed April 4 2007