𝐙𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐫

…𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 20 𝒈𝒆𝒘𝒐𝒈𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

By Tashi Tshewang

The Zhongar Traditional Archery Championship (Season I) began on September 13, 2025, at the Ridaza Traditional Archery Range, bringing together 20 gewog teams from Mongar Dzongkhag. The event was inaugurated in the presence of the Mongar Sport Association President, Dzongdag, Drangpoen, Superintendent of Police, Dzongrab, Dzongkhag Tshogdu Thrizin, gups, and sector heads.

Over the next 19 days, teams will compete under the Zhongar style of archery, following the best-of-three system played across two days. The competition aims to preserve and promote traditional archery, strengthen community bonds, and engage youth while passing on cultural skills to the next generation. The opening match saw Shermuhoong Gewog face MazaDamchen team from Drepoong Gewog.

Organizers have announced prizes for teams and individuals. The championship winner will receive Nu. 180,000, while the runner-up will take home Nu. 120,000. Individual prizes of Nu. 10,000 each will be awarded for the highest karey, highest dobijee, and highest bull’s eye in the first match. Additionally, Nu. 5,000 will be awarded to the “Man of the Match” in the final.

The tournament has been divided into Pool A and Pool B, with fixtures scheduled until the final on October 4, 2025. As excitement builds, the championship promises not only competition but also a celebration of Bhutan’s cultural heritage.
Dawa Tshering, General Secretary of the Mongar Sports Association, said, “The Zhongar Traditional Archery Championship has always been a cornerstone event for Mongar Dzongkhag, bringing together all the gewogs in a celebration of culture, sport, and community spirit. Unfortunately, due to challenges over the past few years ranging from logistical issues to resource constraints, we were unable to hold the tournament at the inter-gewog level.

Last year, despite planning, unforeseen circumstances forced us to cancel once again, which was very disappointing. But this year, with renewed determination and strong collaboration from local teams and communities, we have been able to successfully revive the championship. Our aim is not just to compete but to preserve and promote the legacy of Bhutanese traditional archery, ensuring that this unique national sport continues to thrive and unite our people.”
The championship represents more than a sporting event; it is a cultural practice that strengthens social cohesion and instills pride among Mongar residents. Unique in its funding model, the tournament does not receive direct government financial support. All expenses, including logistics and prize money, are covered through entry fees from participating teams. While the Mongar Sports Association receives annual funding from the Bhutan Olympic Committee, that budget must be distributed among multiple sports disciplines, making self-sustainability critical for the archery tournament. The use of traditional bows and arrows reinforces the event’s role in preserving Bhutanese heritage.

Dawa Tshering added, “Given that we rely completely on community contributions and the passion of our participants, organizing the championship requires creativity and dedication. We are also committed to engaging younger generations. We want children and youth not only to understand the importance of traditional archery but actively participate in it. Through school programs, local awareness campaigns, and hosting events like this championship, we hope to inspire pride in our culture and keep this sport alive for many generations. It is a responsibility we take seriously, because traditional archery is not just a game, it is a symbol of our identity and unity as Bhutanese.”
Dorji Penjor, a member of the Shermuhoong team and an employee at Paro Airport, said, “This championship is very meaningful for us because it gives our team a platform to showcase our hard work and teamwork. It motivates us to keep improving and brings pride not just to our team but also to our gewog. Even just participating helps build our confidence and unity.”

The team has been training regularly with a focus on discipline, coordination, and communication. Dorji added, “Our preparation was not just physical; it was also about learning from past performances and building stronger team dynamics. Our main strategy is to play with unity, make the best use of our strengths, and support each other throughout the competition. Events like this inspire more youth in our gewog to get involved in sports. It keeps them engaged, away from harmful habits, and shows them what is possible with dedication and teamwork.”

Tenzin Dorji, Gup of Chaskhar Gewog, said, “Participating in the traditional archery championship organized by Mongar Dzongkhag holds deep cultural and social value for Chaskhar Gewog. It is more than just a sport, it is a way for us to uphold Bhutan’s national identity and preserve our age-old traditions. This event gives our community a platform to showcase our pride, unity, and cultural heritage. Taking part strengthens relationships within the gewog and fosters camaraderie with neighboring communities. It promotes healthy competition, teamwork, and mutual respect, while encouraging the younger generation to stay connected to their roots and continue the legacy of traditional games.”
He reflected on how traditional archery is not merely a competition but a cultural expression. “The event brings generations together, enhances community spirit, and provides a setting for cultural exchange, economic activity, and youth engagement, making it a vital part of heritage preservation and rural development. Through participation, youth learn the values, discipline, and rituals embedded in traditional archery. It also offers an alternative to modern distractions, encouraging young people to focus on community-centered activities.

By competing alongside elders, they learn sportsmanship and build intergenerational bonds. Economically, these events support local vendors and artisans, inspiring youth to value traditional livelihoods and community cooperation. If replicated across Bhutan, perhaps through a National Traditional Archery League, it could bring dzongkhags together, promote cultural pride on a national scale, and create new opportunities for youth and rural communities alike.”

Karma Sonam Wangchuk, Gup of Tsakaling Gewog, said, “At first, many participants were hesitant and lacked confidence about competing in the championship. We had to encourage them to register because this tournament provides valuable exposure and experience. The Dzongkhag Administration’s support is crucial. Interestingly, some local archers have been blending equipment, using wooden handles but imported arrows. However, since this tournament requires fully indigenous traditional equipment, this will encourage everyone to return to authentic archery gear moving forward.”

He highlighted the importance of the championship as a platform not only for competition but also for cultural revival. Initial hesitation among participants is being addressed through the tournament’s rules and community support, reinforcing traditional archery practices and equipment use.