Khuru and Archery in Bhutan

Archery, or da in Dzongkha, is Bhutan’s national sport. It was designated in 1971, the year Bhutan joined the United Nations. Bhutanese archery teams shoot at small targets positioned approximately 145 meters (476 feet) away. Traditional bamboo bows and modern compound bows are both used. Successful shots are commonly celebrated with singing and dancing, while opposing teams may also sing and dance near the target.

Khuru is a traditional outdoor team game played with heavy wooden darts fitted with pointed metal tips and bird-feather vanes. Players throw the darts toward small targets positioned approximately 20 meters (66 feet) away. As in archery, successful throws are marked by team singing, dancing and cheering. Both games combine athletic competition with longstanding social traditions.