The Changlimithang Archery Range in Thimphu is abuzz with excitement as the 2024 Druk Wangyal National Archery Tournament launches with unprecedented enthusiasm. This year marks a historic turnout, with 58 teams representing 50 gewogs competing for the coveted title in Bhutan’s most prestigious archery event.
Kicking off on November 4, the traditional competition is set to span until February, embracing a unique format that emphasizes unity and the nurturing of local talent. Unlike previous editions, this tournament requires each team to represent their respective gewog, fostering a spirit of community and regional pride across the nation.
Yesterday’s second round of matches showcased intense rivalries, particularly between Kanglung gewog and Shumar gewog in Pool A, and Radhi gewog against Balam gewog in Pool B. Both contests ended without a definitive victor, heightening the tournament’s competitive edge. In the Kanglung-Shumar clash, Kanglung secured the first set 25-21, but Shumar rallied in the second set, leading 18-10 before the game was prematurely halted at 4:30 PM. Similarly, Radhi took the initial set 25-22, only for Balam to dominate the second set with a score of 16-7 when the match concluded.
Radhi gewog’s captain, Dorji Phuntsho, commended his opponents’ prowess while acknowledging the sport’s inherent unpredictability. “My team hopes to win, but it depends on luck,” he remarked. Meanwhile, Kanglung’s captain, Karma, expressed confidence in his team’s seasoned experience and strategic selection. “We are carefully selected to perform well and aim to defeat our opponents,” he stated.
Organized by the Bhutan Indigenous Games and Sports Association (BIGSA), the Druk Wangyal National Archery Tournament honors Bhutan’s rich archery heritage and commemorates the 2003 victory over foreign militants. It also serves as a tribute to His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo, underscoring the event’s cultural and historical significance.
This year’s tournament adopts a knockout format, with each team comprising 13 players, including two substitutes. Teams entered the competition by paying an entry fee of Nu 15,000. BIGSA’s official, Tshering Choki, highlighted the tournament’s evolution, noting the shift from an open competition to one that exclusively features archers from specific gewogs. “BIGSA decided to provide more archers with the opportunity to foster unity among gewogs and to promote archery,” Choki explained.
To ensure fair representation, BIGSA verified each archer’s eligibility through their citizenship identity cards, confirming their affiliation with their respective gewog. Early matches set the tone for the competition, with Mongar gewog triumphing over Toedwang gewog with impressive scores of 25-0 and 25-3. Similarly, Dakar gewog defeated Chali gewog in straight sets, 25-8 and 25-20, demonstrating the high level of skill and dedication among the participants.
Participants and spectators alike have lauded the tournament’s inclusive approach, recognizing BIGSA’s efforts to expand the reach of traditional archery beyond the dominant teams typically based in Thimphu. “Traditional archery holds great significance in Bhutanese culture, heritage, and social life,” one archer commented, reflecting the deep-rooted connection between the sport and the nation’s identity.
As the Druk Wangyal National Archery Tournament progresses, all eyes remain on the archers as they aim to bring glory to their gewogs and uphold Bhutan’s cherished archery traditions. With record participation and heightened competitive spirit, this year’s tournament promises to be a memorable chapter in Bhutan’s storied archery legacy.
