Chencho Gyeltshen: The Bhutanese Football Sensation
In the picturesque Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, where spirituality and natural beauty converge, one name has managed to carve a unique niche for itself - Chencho Gyeltshen. A football prodigy hailing from this serene nation, Chencho's journey from the remote valleys of Bhutan to the international football stage is nothing short of remarkable. With his exceptional skills, dedication, and perseverance, Chencho Gyeltshen has become a symbol of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes not only in Bhutan but also around the world.
Rising from the Land of the Thunder Dragon
Chencho Gyeltshen, born on May 10, 1996, is a Bhutanese professional footballer renowned as a forward in both the Liga 2 team Sriwijaya and the captain of the Bhutan national team. Holding the title of Bhutan's highest-scoring international player of all time, Gyeltshen has earned the endearing monikers of CG7 and Bhutanese Ronaldo, owing to his playing style reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the inaugural Bhutanese professional footballer to compete on foreign soil.
Childhood and Educational Background
Chencho Gyeltshen originates from Shapa Gewog in the Paro District. His initiation into football took place during his primary school years, with his brother serving as the catalyst for his involvement in the sport. He attributes his inspiration to the renowned player Cristiano Ronaldo. His academic journey led him from grade six to ten at Loselling MSS. Subsequently, he transitioned to Ugyen Academy for the eleventh grade, followed by attending Kelki Higher Secondary School until the twelfth grade. While initially harboring aspirations of becoming a martial artist, he ultimately opted to interrupt his formal education in pursuit of a career as a professional footballer.
Challenges and Legacy
Chencho's journey to success wasn't without challenges. Adapting to different playing styles, climates, and cultures while maintaining his performance levels demanded immense resilience. Moreover, he carried the weight of expectations from his nation, which saw in him a beacon of hope for Bhutanese football.
Chencho Gyeltshen's legacy extends beyond his on-field exploits. He has become a role model for aspiring athletes in Bhutan, proving that with talent, hard work, and the right opportunities, even athletes from smaller nations can make a mark on the international stage. His story serves as a reminder that passion, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence can transcend barriers and create pathways to success.
Club career
Yeedzin Era (2008-2014)
From 2008 until 2014, Gyeltshen was an active member of Yeedzin in the Bhutan National League. During this period, he notably secured the league championship in 2013, a significant achievement for the club. Additionally, he contributed to Yeedzin's second-place finish in the 2013 King's Cup, where, despite his two-goal performance, the club was defeated 2-4 in the final by Nepal's Manang Marshyangdi.
Druk United Stint (2014)
In 2014, Gyeltshen played for and captained Druk United in the Thimphu League. His notable performance during this time included scoring two goals against Indian team Mohun Bagan in the 2014 King's Cup.
Thimphu League Triumph (2015)
Moving to Thimphu in 2015, Chencho Gyeltshen debuted in the league for the club on April 5th against Thimphu City. He showcased his skills by scoring seventeen goals in just ten matches during the Thimphu League, clinching the top scorer position for the season.
Venturing Abroad (2014-2015)
In 2014, Gyeltshen received an offer from Nepal's Machhindra after impressing at the 2013 King's Cup. Though he agreed to join the club, his studies postponed the move until the following year. Early in 2015, he participated in a month-long trial with Thailand's Buriram United in the Thai Premier League, making an impact by scoring a crucial goal in a friendly match against Sisaket. During his time in Thailand, he also received offers from Indian Super League clubs Delhi Dynamos and Pune City. Although no formal offers were presented, Gyeltshen expressed interest in playing alongside the ISL's renowned players. He also secured victory in the Coke Cup Under-19 Championship with Buriram in 2015.
Surin City Episode (2015)
Gyeltshen's journey continued in Thailand as he signed with Surin City, a reserve team affiliated with Buriram United. This groundbreaking move made him the first Bhutanese player to compete professionally internationally. His debut for Surin City occurred on July 5, 2015, against Kalasin, where he was assigned the number 11 jersey. By September 24, 2015, he had already netted eight goals in eight league matches for Surin City, even achieving a hat-trick. However, the team's league position fell short of the playoffs.
Various Moves and Returns (2016-2020)
Following a series of loan spells and transfers, Gyeltshen experienced stints with clubs like Nonthaburi, Satun United, and even a return to his former club Thimphu. In 2016, he joined Terton, leading them to AFC Cup qualification. He then shifted to Chittagong Abahani in the Bangladesh Premier League, emerging as the highest-paid athlete in the country. After several moves, he rejoined Punjab and eventually played for Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League.
Triumphant Returns and Latest Moves (2020-2023)
Gyeltshen's career trajectory led him back to Punjab, where he contributed to their I-League victory. In 2021, he joined Kerala Blasters and subsequently made his mark in various matches. He returned to Punjab again in 2023 and, in a surprising move, signed a contract with Indonesia's Sriwijaya club in August.
International Journey
At the international level, Gyeltshen showcased his talent representing Bhutan across various age groups, from U12 to U19. His senior national team debut came in 2011, and he made a significant impact, scoring on his debut against Nepal. A historic achievement occurred in 2015 when he contributed two crucial goals in Bhutan's first-ever World Cup qualification win against Sri Lanka, marking a remarkable milestone for the team despite their status as the lowest-ranked team globally.