The capital is alive with the thwack of darts and the cheers of spectators as the National Khuru Tournament 2025 moves into its decisive week. Nineteen gewog teams began the two-week knockout contest, and with twelve already out of the running, only a handful remain in pursuit of the coveted national title. The championship match is slated for next Sunday.
Each gewog fields a squad of seven players and a reserve, and with the knockout format demanding an unbroken string of victories, teams have had little room for error. Among the standout participants is Radhi Gewog’s Ten Dorji, a 50-year-old Khuru veteran from Trashigang. One of the oldest competitors this year, he first picked up the sport as a teenager and has remained devoted ever since. His experience proved pivotal as Radhi overcame Samteling Gewog yesterday to earn a place in the quarterfinals.
“For us, traditional games aren’t just sports,” Ten Dorji shared, reflecting on his long association with Khuru. “They keep us active, give us joy, and bring people together. Every tournament introduces us to new friends and strengthens bonds within our communities.”
Radhi will face Serzhong Gewog of Sarpang tomorrow in what promises to be a closely watched match. In another quarterfinal fixture, Dungna Gewog of Chhukha will meet Thedtsho Gewog from Wangdue Phodrang. Tuesday’s schedule will complete the lineup, with Getana Gewog of Chhukha squaring off against Daga Gewog of Wangdue Phodrang.
This year marks a significant shift in the tournament’s structure. The Bhutan Indigenous Games and Sports Association has transitioned the event from an open category to a gewog-based competition. The aim, organizers say, is to revive cultural traditions and broaden local participation by ensuring teams genuinely represent their communities.
Tournament coordinator Tshewang Namgyal explained that the change was necessary to make the event more inclusive. “When competitions are open, top players tend to cluster into a few powerful teams,” he said. “That discourages many gewogs from joining. By requiring all team members to come from the same gewog, we level the playing field, widen participation, and strengthen the future of Khuru as a community sport.”
High stakes await the finalists. The champions will receive a cash prize of Nu. 120,000, while the second-place team will take home Nu. 90,000. Several individual honors are also set to be awarded, continuing the tournament’s tradition of celebrating both skill and sportsmanship.
As the remaining teams prepare for the quarterfinals, anticipation builds across the country. For many, the tournament has become more than a competition—it’s a vibrant testament to Bhutan’s enduring cultural heritage.
