In Bhutan, the queen is an enthusiastic basketball player. And she has an unusual advantage: no one is allowed to touch royalty without permission.
Today, says Gardiner Harris of the NY Times, Bhutanese royalty has begun sharing their game with the public.
“After decades of being a largely royal preserve, basketball here is about to have its breakout moment.
“A South Korean coach has been hired to cobble together a national team that many hope will someday be able to challenge its neighbors for bragging rights in South Asia and beyond. Bhutan has tried many times to win an international game but, except for a single victory in a three-on-three tournament, has never succeeded. …
“Bhutanese players say their best hope for a win could be against the Maldives, a country with half of Bhutan’s population that is threatened by global warming. As sea levels rise, Maldivians may have trouble finding places to play, players noted. And facing them in Thimphu’s thin air (the city’s altitude is 7,710 feet) could provide a crucial advantage.”
More.
Photo: Kuni Takahashi for the NY Times
Bhutan’s queen, Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, who is a good player
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 
I love how quirky this is, on so many levels! Even I could probably play basketball, if no one was allowed to touch me!
Suzanne visited Bhutan a few years ago and loved it. Such an unusual place. I need to post some of her pictures of the children here. One result of the trip is visible on her company site — these little purses made with gorgeous Bhutanese woven fabric, http://www.lunaandstella.com/products/norbu-pouch.