To promote Bhutanese archery traditions and educate younger generations on the sport’s values and etiquette, Team Thimphu Agay, a group of 13 archery players all over 60, is participating in the Miwang Gyalsey Ranglug Datsey Drendhur. The tournament began today at Changlimithang in Thimphu in celebration of the ninth birthday of His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck. 18 teams from across the country are participating, with the finals set for next month.
75-year-old Gem Dorji, from Paro, is the oldest member of the team. He has been playing the sport for over three decades. He said he isn’t participating to win but to pass on the knowledge and cultural heritage of Bhutanese archery to younger players.
Likewise, 71-year-old Sangay, from Paro says his passion for archery was inspired by his father, who played the sport until the age of 95.
“The main reason behind participating in this archery tournament is because my father had been dancing Zhungdra and playing archery with the Royal Families. I became interested in the sport because of his involvement. Moreover, it is all thanks to their majesties that our culture is well preserved. So, we are participating to contribute a little in preserving it.”
Since its formation in 2016, the team’s mission has been to preserve and share Bhutan’s archery traditions with future generations.
“We are participating in this tournament primarily to celebrate the birthday of His Royal Highness the Gyalsey. Our goal is not to win the tournament but to share aspects of our culture and traditions with the younger generations, even if only in a small way,” said Tshering Dorji, Team Captain.
The top teams from Pool A and B will compete for the championship title. The winners will receive a cash prize of Nu 195,000, while the runners-up will get Nu 169,000.
Established in 2017 to commemorate the birthday of His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel, the tournament continues to be a tribute to the Gyalsey, uniting teams from across the country in the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Sonam Pem
