Archery enthusiasts in Trashigang were in for a treat as an archer from Sikkim, Gyaltsen Lachungpa, hit a series of karays in the ongoing Druk Premier League tournament in Trashigang on June 5.

Gyaltsen Lachungpa hit a total of 20 karays yesterday breaking his own record of 19 karays during the first match played on June 3. He hit six dobjays during the game.

His team, Lachungpa Sikkim, defeated two local teams from Trashigang and Trashiyangtse by four sets. The team hit a total of 49 karays.

With three wins from three games, the team now moves into the knockout round of the tournament later this month.

With four Bhutanese as teammates, Gyaltsen Lachungpa is the only Sikkimese on the team. “We are more like a family and archery is our common passion,” said the 43-year-old. “This is my second tournament in Trashigang and it’s like a homecoming for me.”

Apart from Trashigang, Gyaltsen Lachungpa has taken part in numerous archery tournaments in Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing, Gomtu and Samtse since 2011. “It has been a wonderful experience exploring Bhutan through archery,” he said. “There is a great passion for the game among the players. I would invite them to Sikkim to join one of our tournaments next month.”

The tournament organiser, Sonam, said that two top teams along with those with the highest karays would move into the knockout round of the tournament.

The game is played in Yangphel format with a few minor changes in the size of the target and the number of players on the team. “The target and the bull’s eye are comparatively smaller than what is used in a normal Yangphel tournament,” he said. “We also allow the use of accessories if the players wish to.”

Nine teams from Trashigang, Trashiyangtse and Sikkim are taking part in the weeklong tournament that began since June 2.

Meanwhile, the eastern region that includes Mongar, Samdrupjongkhar and Trashigang has 31 teams playing in the league round of the tournament. Including the top six teams from three dzongkhags, 21 other teams will move to the knockout round based on the number of karays.

Younten Tshedup | Trashigang 

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