Thinley Namgay

An archer from the Rignga United team was hit on his leg by an arrow around 11:15am yesterday during the semifinal match of the ongoing Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (JDW) Memorial Traditional Archery Tournament at the Changlimithang archery range.

The match was between Rinyang Export and Rignga United from Pool A.

This marks the fourth incident to occur in the two tournaments organised by the Bhutan Indigenous Games and Sports Association (BIGSA) this year.

The shooter and the victim were teammates.

Spectators say that it was the victim’s error. After welcoming the incoming arrow from his teammate, he didn’t move to the safe zone.

An arrow struck his right leg when he moved a step towards the target.

Despite the injury, the victim didn’t go to the hospital immediately after the incident. He decided to continue the game.

However, the game lasted only one round after his injury.

He went to the hospital only after the game. His captain, Chador Dorji, said that the injury was not severe, and he received treatment. “I believe he was confused at that time.”

A BIGSA official clarified that all accidents occurred  this year were due to the carelessness of the archers.

As a sign of encouragement to their teammates, many archery players stay inside the target area. There are no restrictions on it in any tournaments, as this culture is rooted in Bhutanese society.

The semifinal match lasted one and a half days, with Rinyang Export qualifying for the final.

The first set of 25 points was won by Rignga United 25-20, and the opponent equalised in the next set with 25-6.

The deciding match started on a high note yesterday. Before the incident, the score was 20-15 in favour of Rinyang Export. However, Rinyang Export took just one round to seal the set after the incident.

Rinyang Export’s captain, Damcho Wangdi, said, “Almost all our players are participants of the Mewang Gyalsey Traditional Archery Tournament.”

Damcho Wangdi said that the final would be competitive considering the talent of the semifinalists from Pool B.

Rigsar Construction Private Limited and Karsel Chuksum from Pool B will play today at the same venue.

Twenty teams participated this year.