World Aquatics Opens Facility in Bhutan

World Aquatics, in collaboration with the Bhutan Aquatics Federation, announced the opening of the Pools for All facility in Thimphu, Bhutan, the first competition swimming pool in the kingdom which sits on the eastern edge of the Himalayas.

World Aquatics launched the Pools for All Program in 2019 with the aim to ensure member federations have access to aquatics facilities. World Aquatics financed the facility and supervised its construction. The new pool in Bhutan is situated at an altitude of 8,200 feet, making it the highest swimming pool in the world.

“The opening of this Pools for All pool in Bhutan represents a significant milestone in our mission to promote aquatics sports globally,” said Husain Al-Musallam, president of World Aquatics. “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.”

Bhutanese swimmers Sangay Tenzin, a 2020 Olympian, and Kinley Lhendup were on hand for the opening.

“Growing up as swimmers dreaming of competing on the world stage without a pool to learn or train in has presented challenges to overcome,” said Lhendup, a three-time World Aquatics Championships competitor. “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,”

“As we inaugurate Bhutan’s first pool today, I am incredibly proud,” added Tenzin. “Today marks a victory for all lovers of aquatic sport.”

The opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries and officials from World Aquatics, the Bhutan Olympic Committee, Bhutanese national federation presidents from four Olympic sports and the Bhutan Department of Tourism. Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, president of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, said the venue “symbolized the beginning of a new era for aquatics in Bhutan.”

“We are delighted to witness the opening of this facility,” said Sonam Karma Tshering, president of the Bhutan Aquatics Federation. “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.”