Three archers were injured during the tournament
Thinley Namgay
The stage is set for an electrifying conclusion to the 2024 Druk Wangyal National Traditional Archery Tournament, with Udzorong gewog from Trashigang facing Martshala gewog from Samdrupjongkhar in the final on January 11 at the Changlimithang Archery Range in Thimphu.
The tournament, organised by the Bhutan Indigenous Games and Sports Association (BIGSA), featured 58 teams from 50 gewogs across the country.
In the semi-finals, Udzorong edged past Bidung Gewog with scores of 25-24 and 25-19, while Martshala delivered a dominant performance, defeating Tongmijangsa gewog 25-6 and 25-13.
Captain of Udzorong, Nado, said the team is glad to enter the final and determined to ensure a competitive performance. He attributes the team’s success so far to local guardian deities, prayers of the people of Trashigang, and the effort and confidence of teammates.
Players of Udzorong are mostly drivers and are living in different dzongkhags.
“My team knows that the opponent in the final is very strong, but we never know who will win,” said Nado. “Our team may not be the strongest, but we’ve given our best in the last five games.”
Martshala’s Captain Lam Dorji said his team will beat Udzorong in the final. “Out of 13 players, 10 of them are seasoned players.”
He said that after watching the performance of the Udzorong team, they are confident of winning the tournament, with the prayers and support of the people of Samdrupjongkhar.
Three hit by arrows
Since November 4, three players have been hit by arrows, sustaining injuries. Players from Khoma gewog, Gomdar gewog, and Tongmijangsa gewog were hit by arrows on their legs.
“Injuries for Khoma and Gomdar’s players were minor. They didn’t have to go to the hospital. The player of Tongmijangsa was referred to the hospital and already discharged,” a BIGSA official said.
BIGSA officials attributed the incidents to lapses in concentration while welcoming arrows. “Safety measures are in place, but players must remain vigilant,” an official said.
The organiser have urged the finalists to exercise caution during the final match.
Some players said that it could also be due to bad luck on the day. While some say one should not enter the archery range much during the game if you are not confident and vigilant.
Traditions and superstitions
Archery tournaments are often a blend of fierce competition and superstitious practices.
Captains of both teams shared how players offer serkem (libation) before matches to appease local deities and ward off negative energy, misfortune, and gain confidence.
Some archers say that they keep their bows and arrows on the altar to seek blessings, while others avoid staying at home during the competition to maintain purity.
“It is believed that if the players indulge in sexual activities ahead of the game, one’s team will lose the match as it brings bad luck,” explained Martshala Captain Lam Dorji, adding that his players are staying in a hotel these days.
Archers also believe that losing a match will result in the loss of wangta (charisma or luck) and lungta (fortune). “Winning is not just about the game—it’s about retaining one’s fortune and pride,” said Lam Dorji.
Archery teams also hire astrologers to inhibit opponents’ performance, with some conducting elaborate rituals invoking the deities.