National Archery Ground

The principal venue for Bhutan's national sport of archery (da), located adjacent to Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu. Archery has been Bhutan's national sport since 1971, and competitions are held here regularly with teams shooting at targets 145 meters apart using both traditional bamboo bows and modern compound bows. Matches are accompanied by traditional singing, dancing, and elaborate celebrations after each hit, making archery events as much a cultural spectacle as a sporting competition. The ground hosts the annual national archery tournament and important government-sponsored competitions.