Bhutan Olympic Committee President Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuk has attended a groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Taekwondo centre ©Bhutan Olympic Committee

Bhutan Olympic Committee President Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuk has attended a groundbreaking Ceremony for a new Taekwondo Centre in the country..

It is being built at a cost of $6.8 million (£5.5 million/ €5.2million) and is funded by the South Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

"Taekwondo is a very important sport because through it, we can physically and mentally support youth," KOICA region director Young Ah-Doh said.

"KOICA decided to support this project and we hope that through it, we will not only be able to support the construction of the building but also support youth development programmes."

Bhutan is a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, and is known for its monasteries, fortresses and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys.

Plans for the building include provision for four fighting areas with capacity for 700 spectators, training areas,a museum of the sport and a cafeteria.

The new Taekwondo Centre is scheduled for completion by December 2025 ©Bhutan Olympic Committee
The new Taekwondo Centre is scheduled for completion by December 2025 ©Bhutan Olympic Committee

Facilities will be made accessible for those with disabilities.

There will also be space for other martial arts, yoga zumba and dance studios and even a basement car park for 56 vehicles

Building work is scheduled to start in September and completion is planned for December 2025.

The building forms part of Bhutan’s Youth Development Project through Sports Health and Value Education in Taekwondo.

The traditional Salang Tendrel or ground breaking Ceremony included a blessing by Buddhist monks.