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Archery and Other Sports in Bhutan
The National sport of Bhutan is Archery. There are many ranges of archery adapted in each village. Archery competitions are common during weekends and festivals. Along with sporting spirit, the Bhutan people enjoy the banquet and the music at the end of the competitions. Initially bamboos were used to make the traditional bows. Now modern compound bows are replacing these bamboo bows. The shooters should stand 120 mts away from the target which is hardly 30 cm in diameter. This sport is played among noisy supporters who encourage their own team.
But they do not take the competitions serious as there are no fans or followers of any team. The archers themselves are the enthusiasts who are in high spirits during competitions. This tourist sport draws lot of income to the tourism department. Nobody can stay away from the music, dance and jeers which accompany any archery competition in Bhutan. There are lots of sentiments linked with the winning of this sport. The players consult the astrologists about the stars to favor them. They even park their vehicles and shoot in the direction according to their belief. The annual tournament brings out the best archer of the year award to the out standing archer. Apart from Archery Foot Ball is the sport that is played and enjoyed in Bhutan. The climate and landscape does not favor many other games. The advantage of deep valleys and snow capped mountains make trekking and mountaineering as one of the most sought sports of Bhutan. Basket ball is also gaining popularity among young men who are growing taller than their forefathers.
