Bhutan's traditional archers lose ground to development
Atop a steep hillside near Bhutan's capital Thimphu, an arrow slices through the air and slams into a wooden target with a thud, prompting a round of celebratory song.A hit anywhere on the target earns points, along with an obligatory celebratory song and shuffling dance.
Bhutan's traditional archery faces challenges as development encroaches on traditional playing grounds. The sport, steeped in history and cultural significance, is now threatened by a lack of space and safety concerns. Traditional archery, played with a bamboo bow and arrows, requires flat terrain and ample space, which are becoming scarce, especially in the capital city of Thimphu.
Archer Sonam Dorji lamented that archery ranges are being replaced by residences, making it difficult to find suitable playing fields. Bhutanese archery is a team sport, with teams aiming at small wooden targets up to 145 meters away, earning points for hits and engaging in celebratory songs and dances. The sport has been struggling to compete with popular alternatives like football, as Sangay Phuntsho pointed out.
The archery association attributes the decline to both development and safety concerns, particularly regarding the powerful compound bows used in the sport. The Bhutan Archery Federation is working with the country's Olympic committee to find safer, more organized land for more ranges. However, the lack of space and the tradition of consuming alcohol while playing remain contentious issues.
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