The archery grounds of Changlimithang echoed with nostalgia today as some of Bhutan’s finest former archers returned to the field for what may be their final bow. Competing in the ongoing Bhutan National Archery Championship 2025, the group of veteran players—aged 60 and above—took to the range not for victory, but to honour their lifelong love for the country’s national sport.
Leading this remarkable comeback is 69-year-old Ugyen Penjor from Trongsa. Once a formidable competitor in the 1980s and 1990s, Penjor is now a father of four and the captain of this all-star veteran team. It was his idea to bring the group back together after almost two decades away from competitive tournaments.
“We said to each other, ‘One more time, let’s go to Changlimithang,’” Penjor shared. “This is not about winning medals; it’s about honouring the sport that shaped our lives and bringing our old friend Ata Karsang back to this field once again.”
Indeed, the team’s oldest and most celebrated member, Karsang, has become the heart of this farewell performance. Now 80 years old, Karsang—better known by his old nickname Ata Karsang—first competed at the national level in 1983, starting with traditional bows before switching to compound archery in 1984. He retired in 2000 and hasn’t played competitively for nearly 25 years.
At the urging of his old friends, the former champion flew in from Yonphula to make what he calls his “final appearance” at Changlimithang.
“I am 80 now, and the youngest in our team is 60. I don’t play archery much anymore, but when they asked me to join, I couldn’t refuse,” Karsang said with a smile. “I can’t shoot like I used to, but it feels good to hold the bow again.”
Another familiar face in the team is 70-year-old Sangay from Wamrong, Trashigang. While he left competitive tournaments in 2006, Sangay has remained closely involved with the sport, running an archery range in Debsi, Thimphu, where he trains young players.
“In the past, we only had about seven teams in tournaments. Today, we have 30 to 40. It’s a sign of how much Bhutan has grown—and how deeply archery remains rooted in our culture,” Sangay said.
The veteran team faced tough competition in their first league round, finishing last with just two points against younger, faster opponents. But winning has never been their priority. Their remaining matches are scheduled for Saturday and Monday, and they intend to enjoy every moment.
For these archery legends, this return to Changlimithang is more than a game—it is a celebration of friendship, memories, and an undying passion for Bhutan’s national sport. As they shoot each arrow, they remind everyone watching that some bonds, like their love for archery, never truly age.
