BAASA postpones soccer tournament

Bhutanese Australian Association of South Australia (BAASA) has said the planned Bhutanese Australian and New Zealand soccer and volleyball carnival has been postponed until further notice. 

The tournament was planned for this season in South Australia where over a dozen football teams were expected to join from across Australia and New Zealand. The tournament is being organised since 2011 by different states in Australia while it was the first time New Zealand Bhutanese soccer team agreed to join the competition.

In a circular, BAASA chairperson Lal Rai said, “We all are aware that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted within the Australia and across the globe. The federal and state governments of Australia have enforced the social distancing rules and health measures to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus.”

“Recently, we have been observing that escalation of COVID-19 development has been spiking in Victoria and travel restrictions have also been implemented.”

He further said, “Considering the health and safety of community members, players and guests, BAASA has concluded that we are not in good position to organise the tournaments this year at this critical stage and decided to postpone the tournament for the next year.”

He said further information about new dates and times will be communicated on due course.

“BAASA deeply regrets for the inconvenience that has been caused by decision that we have made. Bhutanese Australian Association of South Australia Inc. would like to extend the sincere thank you for your patience and cooperation at this difficult and challenging time.”