The National Khuru Tournament 2025 is underway in the capital, featuring 19 gewog teams competing in a two-week knockout competition. So far, 12 teams have been eliminated, and the finals are scheduled for next Sunday.
All 19 teams must win every match to advance to the next round. Each team comprises seven players and one reserve.
Among the participants is 50-year-old Ten Dorji from Radhi Gewog in Trashigang, one of the tournament’s oldest players. He started playing Khuru at the age of 14. His team defeated Samteling Gewog yesterday to progress to the quarterfinals.
Ten Dorji said, “Participating in traditional games makes us happy. It keeps us active and gives us a chance to meet new people and build friendships with those we did not know before.”
Radhi Gewog will take on Serzhong Gewog from Sarpang tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Dungna Gewog of Chhukha will face Thedtsho Gewog from Wangdue Phodrang.
On Tuesday, Getana Gewog of Chhukha will meet Daga Gewog of Wangdue Phodrang in the remaining quarterfinal clash.
The Bhutan Indigenous Games and Sports Association have converted the open event into a gewog-based competition this year. The move aims to preserve Bhutanese culture, boost grassroots participation, and keep traditional games alive, while strengthening community bonds.
Tshewang Namgyal, the coordinator of the National Khuru Tournament said, “We require all players in a team to come from the same gewog to encourage wider participation. In open competitions, the best players often form one or two strong teams, discouraging others from taking part. By forming teams at the gewog level, we ensure fairer competition, equal opportunities, and greater participation, securing the sustainability of the tournament in the future.”
The winning team will take home a cash prize of 120,000 ngultrum, while the runner-up will receive 90,000 ngultrum.
Individual awards will also be presented.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sangay Chezom
