Archery, accompanied by songs and jeers, is a common sight in Bhutan, a tiny kingdom landlocked between India and China. It’s a matter of pride as competitors gave it their all to outscore friends/rivals during competitions, which are held oft-times. The sport is in their blood.
With the passage of time, celebrations got more subdued, but love for the sport remains intact. One can spot young kids practicing archery in every corner. “Football is very popular, too, but archery is still close to the heart,” Tashi Tshering, Bhutan head coach, says. Traditionally, the sport of bow and arrow has been taken up by Bhutanese men to relax and socialise.
“Earlier, it was taken more as a celebration. People would share a drink and take part in competitions, mostly compound shooting. It was fun.”
Bhutan has seen many archers make the Olympic cut, and leave a mark in internationals. But despite immense love, they have not managed to capitalise on those scarce hits. But now, the targets are better, as archers are more serious.
“Now participants are more serious, and more professional. They have realised that one needs to be totally focused to do well in international events,” Tashi remarks.
To tap into more talent, the Bhutan Archery Association and Bhutan Olympic Committee have charted an ambitious plan. The 37-year-old reveals that the country will add archery part of the curriculum in all schools in the next four years. “We will start the sport in every school from 2020. Most of our talents come from Thimphu. We do hold special camps in other places, but the numbers are few.” For now, Changlimithang Stadium in the capital city is the only prominent field for archers looking to pick up skills of Olympic-style shooting.
Here at the South Asian Games, Bhutan is in the process of making the slow climb at the scenic Khasi hills. The team is one hit away from achieving their target this time, as they are in contention for bronze in four categories — women’s individual, mixed team and both men’s and women’s team.
“In the last campaign, we could not win a single medal. Our main focus is to win a medal, and even bronze would do,” Jigme Norbu, one of the youngest faces of the team, says.
Karma, one of the experienced members of the team, has been drawing the bow for seven years without international success. “I’ve been in the profession for seven years, but haven’t won any medal. I’m still trying,” she admits with a smile. Bangladesh’s Beauty Roy stands between the 25-year-old and bronze.
All members of the Bhutan team are full-time archers handpicked by the Bhutan Archery Federation. But practicing the sport at the top level comes at a price for the likes of Karma, as they have to give up studies. And for their dedication, they earn a meagre Rs 15,000. “I had to give up studies. My parents actually forced me to take up the sport, and we usually train from 7 to 5,” Jigme reveals. It is same story for Karma.
With their rich tradition and undying enthusiasm, the likes of Jigme and Karma will be hoping to take the crown in the near future.