Thirty-six teams, one champion, and a top prize. A mega archery tournament is underway in Trashigang. But the tournament is doing more than crowning a winner. The entry fees are helping build a community hall, and the visitors are keeping the town’s hotels busy.
Bows drawn. Eyes on the target. Shots are landing at the Mega 7 Star archery tournament. It is the first mega archery tournament the Trashigang Sports Association is hosting.
Thirty-six teams from across the country, some as far as Thimphu, are competing, and the prizes are big. The winner will take home Nu 700,000 while the runner-up will receive Nu 450,000.
Archery is Bhutan’s national sport, and the Association wants to promote it and encourage more people to take it up. But the tournament also intends to do more.
“Trashigang’s Moenlam Chenmo Tshokhang is still under construction. So, this tournament is also to raise funds, and all the entry fees will go towards its construction. For the prize money, we sought support from various organisations. Rigsar Construction has been our main sponsor,” said Karma, Secretary, Trashigang Sports Association.
With each team paying Nu 25,000 as the entry fee, the contribution towards the Moenlam Chenmo hall amounts to Nu 900,000.
Besides the community hall, the town is also reaping the tournament’s benefits. Hoteliers and restaurant owners say the tournament is bringing them extra customers and extra income.
“I run a hotel with food and lodging, and I have seen the difference the tournament has made. So far, my rooms have been fully booked twice, and with the tournament still going on, I have a few more bookings,” said Jigme Thinley, a hotelier in Trashigang.
“Our restaurant is small, but we do get a few customers. I also received calls from players in Samdrup Jongkhar asking about accommodation. And a few days ago, some players came here for dinner,” said Santosh Lepcha, a restaurant owner in Trashigang.
The matches began on 26th September, and the final is scheduled for 8th November. Until then, the arrows keep flying, and with every match, a hall still under construction and a town’s business stand to gain.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Sonam Wangdi
