Four compound archers will represent the country at the 2025 Asia Cup Stage 2 to be held in Singapore this June. They were selected following a two-day selection event held in the capital.
The selection event ended yesterday. The participants competed in qualification and knockout rounds, with the final scores combining results from both stages.
Two female and nine male archers competed in the qualification round. However, two male archers withdrew from the knockout rounds due to equipment issues.
38-year-old Tandin Dorji from Paro secured the top position with a perfect score. A seasoned international competitor, Tandin previously won silver medals in both team and individual categories at the South Asian Games in Nepal.
He said, “I have participated in tournaments in the past. This time, with a professional coach from India, we expect to perform even better.”
Joining him is the 37-year-old Khendrup from Samdrup Jongkhar. Khendrup also brings international experience, having won silver in the team category at previous international events.
“When I got selected, it brought not just happiness but also pressure and worry, knowing we must compete against international players. We will train hard and aim to bring home medals,” added Khendrup.
37-year-old Kezang Norbu from Monggar will be making his international debut. He began playing with the compound bow in 2022 and has already won gold at a national open archery competition last year.
Kezang Norbu said, “I have been playing archery with a compound bow for about three years. I am grateful for this opportunity and am committed to serving the nation with full dedication.”
34-year-old Tshewang Dorji from Haa joins the team. He has won a silver and a bronze medal at the 2016 South Asian Games.
He said, “Being selected among the top four gives me great motivation. With two months of training ahead, I am determined to perform better at the Asian Cup.”
These four archers will attend a specialised training programme in India.
Two female and one male archer who took part in the competition will accompany them.
An opportunity awaits at the training programme for the female archers. If they perform well, one female archer could earn a spot on the final team for the Asia Cup.
Coach Tashi Tshering said, “We will conduct intensive morning and evening training sessions. Those who perform well will earn the opportunity to compete at the Asia Cup Stage 2.”
Archer Dorji Dema said, “We will be training in India. We will do our best.”
A strong performance at the Asia Cup could open doors for the national team, with potential for selection for major events such as the Asian Games and World Championships.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sangay Chezom
