Near Bhutan’s capital of Thimphu, traditional archery—considered the national sport—faces increasing challenges as urban development and safety concerns limit available space for practice and competition. Played with bamboo bows and arrows, the sport has deep cultural roots, evolving from hunting and military origins and remaining a central feature of social and festive occasions. However, archery’s need for extensive, flat terrain is increasingly at odds with the demand for residential and commercial construction, particularly in and around the capital.

Sonam Dorji, an archer and conservation worker competing in a recent tournament, expressed frustration at the shrinking number of archery grounds. He underscored how encroaching development has made finding suitable spaces more difficult. Bhutanese archery involves teams shooting arrows at small wooden targets up to 145 meters away, with players dressed in traditional striped “gho” robes and modern footwear. Matches are lively events, often accompanied by singing, dancing, and the consumption of local alcoholic beverages such as ara, alongside playful taunts and encouragement.

The sport also faces competition from more globally popular activities such as football, which appeal more to younger generations. Sangay Phuntsho, who traveled from Wangdue Phodrang to Paro for a tournament, noted the shifting interests among youth, remarking that contemporary sports are favored over traditional ones.

Safety has become a growing concern, according to Pema Tenzin, general secretary of the Bhutan Archery Federation. The rising use of compound bows, which shoot arrows with greater speed and power, has increased the risks, especially when matches are held in densely populated areas. This has prompted calls for enhanced safety measures and contributed to the decline in available ranges. Officials from the Archery Federation and Bhutan’s Indigenous Games and Sports Association, working alongside the country’s Olympic committee, are seeking land to create safer, more organized archery facilities.

Despite these challenges, many practitioners and enthusiasts are committed to preserving the sport as a cultural heritage. Jamyangla, a 48-year-old power company employee, expressed concern that the lack of facilities hinders new generations from learning the sport. He advocates for government support to establish national-level tournaments and additional ranges, although he dismissed safety worries, even as injuries have been documented, including a serious incident involving an arrow penetrating a man’s heart earlier this year.

Critics point to the tradition of alcohol consumption during play as an additional hazard, potentially exacerbating the risks inherent to archery. Nonetheless, players like Sonam Dorji maintain that the sport fosters social bonds and communal identity. For many Bhutanese, archery remains a vibrant part of their cultural legacy, linking them to their ancestors and affirming its role in national life despite ongoing pressures.