Soccer, which served as a vital lifeline and symbol of hope in the Bhutanese refugee camps of eastern Nepal, is set to reunite the global Nepali Bhutanese diaspora. A newly formed association, the Bhutanese American Soccer Association, is hosting this eagerly anticipated Inter-Camp 2026 tournament, which will take place on August 7th-9th in Columbus, Ohio.
The event aims to preserve the beloved tradition of soccer and bridge the gap between the past and future, inspiring a new generation to connect with their roots.

“This event will bring together resettled Bhutanese from across the globe to honor the enduring legacy of community soccer, moving from the dusty, limited-resource pitches of refugee camps to modern stadiums in the USA and abroad,” said Laxmi Sangraula, one of the members of the organizing committee.

There are a total of four categories included in the event: age 16-29, 30-39, 40 plus, and women. Both finalists in each category will be awarded cash prizes and trophies.

For decades, the challenging environment in the seven camps in Nepal tested the resilience of over 100,000 refugees. In this setting, soccer provided discipline, a sense of normalcy, and a constructive outlet for youth to maintain hope. Those games fostered bonds that continue to sustain the community today, long after their resettlement, which saw over 90,000 individuals move to countries like the USA.

“Inter-Camp 2026 aims to rekindle that spirit of unity and preserve the cultural legacy of soccer, proving that the game remains a core component of the Bhutanese identity, regardless of where we now call home,” said Mon Bhattarai, another organizing committee member.

A community-driven soccer tournament celebrating the resilience, history, and unity of the Bhutanese diaspora, bringing together players and spectators to celebrate their shared journey. For more information, organizers request that you reach out to the numbers on the flyer.