A Story of Dreams, Challenges, and Community
By Victor Gurung, Media & Technical Lead Consultant at the Bhutan Olympic Committee, sat down with Karma Jigme to discuss his inspiring journey and the impact he’s making across football, business, and sustainability in Bhutan.
Karma Jigme is the President of Paro Football Club (Paro FC), a prominent football club based in Paro, Bhutan. Under his leadership, Paro FC has achieved significant milestones, including winning the Bhutan Premier League titles in 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
In August 2024, Paro FC made headlines by signing Japanese international Keisuke Honda, who joined the club on a one-match contract to play in the AFC Challenge League play-off against Nepalese side Church Boys United.
Beyond his role in football, Karma Jigme is also involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting sports and community development in Bhutan. His dedication to the sport and his community has made him a respected figure in Bhutanese football.
Congratulations on receiving the National Order of Merit (Silver)! How did you feel when you heard the news, and what does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?
Thank you so much for the kind words. Receiving the National Order of Merit is truly an honor beyond what I can express. When my name was announced on the 117th National Day, it was a moment that felt almost surreal—a flood of emotions washed over me. I was filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude, not just for the recognition, but for everyone who made this possible.
My thoughts immediately went to the Paro FC founders, whose vision set everything in motion; my family, who have been my pillars of strength; our incredible team, whose relentless dedication brings our dreams to life; and, of course, to the fans and supporters who have stood by us through every victory and challenge.
On a personal level, this award is deeply humbling. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, not just as a club but as a community. Professionally, it’s a profound motivation to keep pushing forward. It strengthens our resolve to make meaningful contributions to Bhutan—not just on the football field but through entrepreneurship, community development, and sustainability initiatives.
Above all, this recognition belongs to everyone who believes in the power of unity, perseverance, and passion. It’s a shared victory, and I am committed to honoring it by continuing to strive for excellence and positive impact.
Registration is now open for the BIM 2025.
“Receiving this honor from His Majesty is a humbling moment that reminds me of the collective effort behind every achievement. This recognition is not just for me, but for the entire Paro FC family, our supporters, and the Bhutanese community who have believed in the power of football to bring about positive change.
It strengthens my commitment to continue striving for excellence, not only on the field but in every aspect of our journey towards a brighter, more united Bhutan.”
— Karma Jigme, President of Paro FC
Your journey has been inspiring across diverse fields—entrepreneurship, conservation, and sports. What has been the driving force behind your passion and dedication in these areas?
For me, the driving force has always been the deep belief that we have the power to make a meaningful impact in the world around us. Each of these fields—entrepreneurship, conservation, and sports—feels like a thread in a larger tapestry of creating positive change.
Entrepreneurship is about more than just building businesses; it’s about building livelihoods and giving people the tools to dream bigger and achieve more. Conservation, on the other hand, is a promise to future generations—a commitment to protect the natural beauty and resources of Bhutan so that our children inherit a world they can thrive in. And then there’s sports, particularly football, which has a unique magic. It breaks barriers, unites people across differences, and empowers communities in ways that few things can.
My passion is fueled by the incredible potential I see in Bhutan. There’s so much untapped energy, talent, and opportunity here, and I feel a deep responsibility to unlock it. Whether it’s through fostering innovation, protecting our environment, or inspiring young people through the power of sport, my goal is to leave things better than I found them.
At the heart of it all is a love for my country and my people. It’s their resilience, their dreams, and their trust that keep me moving forward, even when the road is challenging. Each step we take together is a step toward a brighter, more unified future, and that’s what inspires me every day.
Paro Football Club has become a significant name in Bhutanese football under your leadership. What inspired you to get involved in football, and what vision do you have for the future of the sport in Bhutan?
Football has always been more than just a game to me; it’s a universal language of hope, passion, and unity. My involvement in football stems from a deep love for the sport and an unwavering belief in its potential to bring people together and inspire entire communities.
What inspired me most was seeing how football could transform lives—how a single goal, a shared cheer, or a hard-fought match could ignite pride and joy, even in the smallest of villages. I wanted to harness that magic and channel it into something bigger, something lasting. That’s how Paro FC was born—not just as a club, but as a movement to elevate Bhutanese football to new heights.
Our vision is ambitious yet grounded in hope. We aim to create a thriving professional football ecosystem in Bhutan, one that nurtures grassroots talent and creates pathways for young players to dream, grow, and succeed. We want to raise the standard of professional football in the country, building teams that not only compete locally but shine on international stages.
But it’s not just about the trophies or the accolades. It’s about inspiring a new generation to believe in themselves, to dare to dream bigger and aim higher. If Paro FC can light that spark in even one child, I’d consider it a victory. Ultimately, our goal is to leave a legacy—a foundation upon which the future of Bhutanese football can flourish, uniting our people and showcasing Bhutan’s spirit to the world.
Can you share some memorable moments from your time with Paro FC—perhaps a challenge that tested you or a victory that reaffirmed your efforts?
One moment that will forever remain etched in my heart was when Paro FC clinched our very first BoB Bhutan Premier League title. The roar of the crowd, the sheer joy on the players’ faces, and the pride we felt as a team were indescribable. It was more than just a trophy—it was validation. Validation of the countless hours of hard work, the sacrifices made, and the belief that we could elevate football in Bhutan to a new level. That victory wasn’t just ours; it belonged to everyone who supported and believed in us.
But with every victory comes its share of challenges. One of the toughest has been managing the club’s growth with limited resources. Running a professional football club in Bhutan, where resources and infrastructure are often scarce, is no small feat. There were times when it felt like the odds were stacked against us—balancing finances, ensuring player development, and still striving for excellence was a juggling act that tested us all.
Yet, it’s in those challenges that we found our strength. Every hurdle reminded us why we started this journey: to inspire, to unite, and to push boundaries. Seeing the community rally behind us, watching young players grow into confident athletes, and knowing that we are part of a bigger movement to shape Bhutanese football makes it all incredibly rewarding.
These moments, both the victories and the struggles, are what define us. They keep us grounded and motivated, reminding us that the journey is just as meaningful as the destination.
You’ve been an advocate for sustainability and conservation. How do you balance these efforts with your roles in entrepreneurship and football promotion?
For me, sustainability isn’t just an additional effort—it’s the foundation that connects everything I do, whether in business, football, or daily life. It’s not something separate; it’s a guiding principle that shapes every decision and action.
In entrepreneurship, sustainability is woven into initiatives like promoting eco-friendly tourism through Tashi Namgay Resort. Every project we undertake aims to respect and preserve Bhutan’s natural beauty while offering experiences that leave lasting impressions without leaving a footprint. Similarly, at Paro FC, we strive to set an example by implementing green initiatives, whether that’s through waste management at events, reducing energy consumption, or encouraging the community to embrace environmental consciousness.
It’s also deeply aligned with Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness, which places harmony between growth, conservation, and well-being at the heart of development. This philosophy reminds me that true progress doesn’t come at the expense of our environment but through a balance that nurtures both people and the planet.
Balancing these roles has its challenges, but they’re challenges I welcome. Every step—whether small or big—is a chance to show that it’s possible to grow responsibly and inspire others to do the same. Sustainability, entrepreneurship, and football may seem like different paths, but for me, they’re all part of the same journey: creating a legacy that values harmony, purpose, and lasting impact.
Looking back, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your journey, and how did you overcome them to reach this stage?
The journey has been far from easy, but every challenge has shaped the person and leader I am today. The biggest hurdle has always been navigating uncharted territory—whether it was starting businesses from scratch, building a football club in a budding sports ecosystem, or advocating for sustainability in ways that hadn’t been done before. Each path came with its own set of doubts, uncertainties, and resistance to new ideas.
Limited resources were often a constant obstacle, especially in the early days. There were moments when it felt like we were dreaming too big in a world that wasn’t quite ready for those dreams. At times, it was difficult to rally support or convince others to see the potential of the ideas we believed in so deeply.
What kept us going was persistence. There were no shortcuts, just an unwavering determination to push forward, no matter how tough the road seemed. Failure was inevitable at points, but instead of letting it discourage us, we chose to learn from it. Every setback taught us something valuable—how to adapt, how to innovate, and how to stay resilient in the face of adversity.
The true game-changer, though, was surrounding ourselves with passionate, like-minded individuals. People who shared the same vision, the same fire, and the same commitment to making a difference. Together, we formed a team that could weather any storm, each person contributing their unique strengths to move us closer to our goals.
Looking back, those challenges were not just obstacles—they were opportunities to grow, to bond, and to prove to ourselves and others what’s possible when you refuse to give up. Each step forward, no matter how small, has brought us closer to creating something meaningful and lasting.
Football has a special place in your life. How do you think sports, particularly football, can impact Bhutanese youth and society at large?
Football is so much more than a game—it’s a platform for transformation, both on a personal and societal level. For Bhutanese youth, it’s a space where they can learn critical life skills like teamwork, discipline, and resilience. These aren’t just qualities for the pitch; they’re tools that help shape character and prepare them for challenges in life.
Beyond individual growth, football is a unifying force. In Bhutan, it has the unique ability to bring people together, breaking down barriers of age, background, and culture. When a match is on, the whole community feels the pulse—cheering, celebrating, and sharing in the highs and lows. It fosters a sense of belonging and pride, creating bonds that extend far beyond the final whistle.
More importantly, football has the potential to inspire dreams. For many young Bhutanese, it offers a sense of purpose, a chance to channel their energy and ambition into something meaningful. It’s not just about playing; it’s about opening doors to new opportunities, both locally and internationally.
We’ve already seen glimpses of how the sport can create heroes and role models who inspire others to believe in themselves. My hope is that football will continue to grow as a beacon of hope and possibility, showing our youth that no dream is too big and that they have the power to shape not just their own lives but the future of Bhutanese society as a whole.
As someone who has succeeded across multiple sectors like tourism and retail, what advice would you give to young Bhutanese aspiring to become entrepreneurs or leaders in their fields?
My advice is simple yet profound: start small, dream big, and enjoy every step of the process. The path to success isn’t about taking giant leaps; it’s about taking consistent, thoughtful steps forward. Focus on truly understanding the strengths of your team and the needs of your community—it’s in solving real problems that you’ll find your purpose.
Resilience is your greatest ally. Failures will come, and that’s okay. Each stumble is a lesson, a stepping stone to becoming stronger and wiser. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, inspire you, and believe in your vision as much as you do. Remember, the right circle can push you beyond your limits and help you achieve greatness.
Above all, never lose sight of the bigger picture. Success is most fulfilling when it creates ripples of positivity, lifting others along the way. Strive to give back to society, because in the end, the impact you leave behind is what truly defines your legacy.
With Paro FC’s growing prominence, what are your plans to further elevate Bhutanese football on a regional or international level?
Our vision for Paro FC goes far beyond national success. We are laying the foundation for a football ecosystem that nurtures talent from the grassroots level. Through our youth academy and grassroots programs, we aim to develop players with the skills, discipline, and mindset to compete on regional and international stages.
Improving infrastructure is another priority. We’re focused on building facilities that match global standards to ensure our players have the resources they need to excel. Strengthening both our men’s and women’s teams is also key, as we want to create a balanced platform for all athletes to shine.
Collaboration plays a huge role in our plans. Partnering with international clubs for training opportunities, hosting regional tournaments in Bhutan, and exposing our players to higher levels of competition are all part of our roadmap. Our ultimate goal is to put Bhutanese football on the map in Asia, proving that our small nation can make a big impact in the world of sports.
Receiving the National Order of Merit is a testament to your contributions. What legacy do you hope to leave behind, and how do you want your story to inspire future generations in Bhutan?
Receiving the National Order of Merit is a humbling honor, but it’s also a reminder of the responsibility to pave the way for others. Our journey has always been about showing what’s possible when vision, hard work, and persistence come together.
I hope our legacy is one of empowerment—empowering communities through sustainable businesses, uplifting youth through football, and creating initiatives that inspire people to dream big and aim high. I want to leave behind not just success stories but also systems and structures that continue to grow and thrive.
If our story inspires even one young Bhutanese to believe in their potential and work toward a better future, I will consider our efforts a success. To me, the greatest legacy is one that fuels others to dream, act, and contribute to Bhutan’s progress long after we’re gone.
