Safety around archery becomes an important topic of discussion only as and when there is a casualty. So far, not much has been done to make sure all archery ranges are safe for the public. However, Bhutan Indigenous Games and Sports Association (BIGSA) says data of archery ranges in the country are being collected for prompt intervention. Although the pandemic has delayed the progress, BIGSA will be shutting down the ranges if proven unsafe after collecting the data.
The issue of safety was once more prompted after a 36-year-old Gewog Administration Officer in Chhukha was hit by an arrow on the head during a friendly archery tournament in November last year. The officer was airlifted to the National Referral hospital in Thimphu where he succumbed to the injuries two days later.
“In consultations with the National Land Commission, we are listing all the archery ranges. We would have finished but we couldn’t send our people due to the pandemic. Once we are done with listing them, we will also know if those archery ranges are safe or not. These days, the problem arises due to limited infrastructure at some of the ranges,” said Kinzang Dorji, President of the BIGSA.
He also added that mishandling of arrows by archers lead to most of the accidents. While many people have pointed out that such mishaps occur as players are under the influence of alcohol.
“The beauty of playing archery is that there is no age limit. When we see our elders playing, we play as well. There is no training. If you notice, an individual has a different style of playing archery. The way they draw the bow is different. That’s why in 2014, we trained every player who comes to Changlimithang how to draw their bow,” said the president of BIGSA.
The Member of Parliament (MP) from Haa, Ugyen Tenzin is a survivor of a fatal archery accident. In 2010, he was hit by an arrow on his head.
“Some say that this kind of mishap happens when the player is under the influence of alcohol. But I think it’s not the case. In my case also, it happened in the early morning. It didn’t happen because of alcohol. The player is a good player, but his bow was new that is why how the arrow slipped from his hand,” said the MP.
He added that there should be strong rules and regulations in place.
“I think it would be nice if the related agencies can formulate rules and regulations, and discuss it further with the related department. Then it should be forwarded to the cabinet. If rules are in place, people will learn about the Do’s and Don’ts. And whenever there is a match, the organizer will bear this in mind and be careful,” he added.
Every day, green and veteran archers are seen at Changlimithang to sharpen their skills. But just next to the archery range lies a volleyball court and the football stadium.
Many people shared their concerns over the risk associated with the archery range.
“When we conduct a volleyball tournament, there is a risk of a stray arrow hitting anyone of us. We put up a letter to them saying that we are conducting a tournament. We ask them not to at least conduct a match when we are conducting our tournament. Sometimes when we do practice match during weekends, the arrow lands on the court here. There are no fatalities as such but there are risks. We have collected a few stray arrows, which have landed on the volleyball court, in our office,” said Tandin Wangchuk, the Head Coach with the Bhutan Volleyball Federation.
“Although there are no fatalities recorded there, isn’t it important for the archery range to be moved to another place? This is not because I have no respect for this national game. Developing this game is a must. And considering that it is our national game if the range is kept there, safeguard like putting on glass shield-like in foreign countries should be taken care of. Or else the location itself needs to be changed,” said MP Ugyen Tenzin.
“The moment a person buys a new bow, they come for practice to Changlimithang. There are risks of them losing control of the arrow and there are also cases of stray arrows hitting cars on the road adjacent to the range. there are chances that it might shoot a car or land o the road. Also, without a safeguard, it is very risky these days. An arrow is like a gun now,” said Sangay Thinley, an archer.
“When we play, first players drink, and sometimes they lose control of the arrow and cause fatalities. We as players should be extra careful. We do have a safeguard in archery range and while playing archery if we get in the safeguard, these incidences will be prevented. We can’t say that a person is a very good archer and divert our mind and make conversation in between the match,” added Ugyen, also an archer.
Changlimithang is just an example. The problem is across the country. More archery ranges are being developed all over the country making it evident that the game is gaining popularity more than ever. But if most of them are safe is still a concern.
The Association say that lack of staff in the association is one reason why it could not monitor safety measures across the country.
According to the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, on an average, the hospital sees three severe cases of injuries from arrow accidents every year. The stats do not include those that are treated at dzongkhag hospitals and BHUs.
Samten Dolkar
