The Thimphu Basketball Centre was electric as the inaugural Queen’s Cup 2026 wrapped up an unforgettable two-week tournament. Running from July 6th to July 18th, 2026, this premier women’s basketball event showcased the incredible depth of female athletic talent in the country. Sponsored proudly by Vajra Construction Pvt. Ltd., the tournament successfully brought elite competition to the forefront while inspiring sports fans nationwide. Beyond the trophies and intense court battles, the Queen’s Cup carried a profound meaning for the local sports community. The tournament was organized to fulfill the long-held vision of the Late President of the Basketball Federation of Bhutan, who dedicated his efforts to creating more platforms and competitive opportunities for young female athletes to showcase their skills on a national stage.
Additionally, the event was a heartfelt tribute to the Queen Mother of Bhutan, honoring her enduring passion and legacy as an avid basketball player. By celebrating her love for the game, the federation aimed to directly address and reverse the trend of low team turnovers and lower participation numbers among women in sports, giving the next generation of athletes a bright spotlight.
The Path to the Finals
Five elite powerhouse teams answered the call to compete in a grueling round-robin format, ensuring that every squad tested their grit against one another before advancing to the high-stakes knockout stages. The competitive lineup featured long-standing national giants alongside a highly energetic youth team formed entirely by the students of Royal Thimphu College. The five teams; Majas, Myras, Griffins, Phoenix, and Alalas delivered high-octane basketball throughout the tournament, culminating in a fierce semi-final bracket featuring Majas, Myras, Griffins, and Alalas.
A Grand Finale Showdown
The grand finale saw an intense, thrilling showdown between Team Majas and Team Griffins. After a hard-fought battle on the court, the Majas emerged victorious, claiming the historic championship title with a dominant 54 – 34 victory. Along with the coveted trophy, the champions walked away with a grand cash prize of Nu 60,000. Team Griffins took home the runners-up prize of Nu 40,000, earning a massive shoutout from the crowd for their relentless hustle and spectacular fight until the very final buzzer.
The individual spotlight belonged to Xumsel Finso Chhodon of Team Majas, who secured the coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for her dominant, game-changing performances throughout the entire season.
Courtside Support and Corporate Backing
The high-stakes finals drew an enthusiastic crowd, with more than 80 passionate spectators witnessing the action live on stage at the arena. The closing ceremony welcomed distinguished dignitaries who presented the awards, including official representatives from the title sponsor Vajra Construction Pvt. Ltd., representatives from Bhutan Study West, and the Regional Director of the Revenue and Customs Office. Throughout the two-week run, Vajra Construction received premium visibility, with dedicated promotional posters lighting up social media feeds and physical banners framing the courtside action.
Crushing Records on Social Media
The Queen’s Cup 2026 proved that the appetite for women’s sports is bigger than ever, shattering digital engagement milestones across multiple platforms. Regular pre- and post-game updates kept fans glued to their screens, resulting in more than 30,000 viewers visiting the tournament’s Facebook pages. The excitement spread even further with over 5,000 fans tuning in live to watch the high-definition game streams. Meanwhile, the tournament captured a younger generation of fans on TikTok, where tournament content exploded to secure over 11,400 views during the season.
The successful conclusion of the Queen’s Cup 2026 marks an exciting new chapter for women’s sports, breaking down barriers and proving that female athletes have a massive, dedicated following. By providing young girls with the confidence and the platform to compete, the Basketball Federation of Bhutan and its partners have laid the groundwork for a thriving future on the court.
