Archery

« Agay Passa
Despite losing, the seniors eleven won many hearts for their valiant efforts
Archery Among the spectators, the Karma Auto team, participating in the ongoing Druk Wangyal archery tournament at the Changlimithang range in Thimphu, is also known as Agay Chuchi or the Old Men’s XI.

Seven of its archers are 60 years and above. Team captain Passa Namgyal has been playing archery since the reign of Third King, but he appears energetic and sporty like the other young archers.

“I used to hit around 16 Kareys a day in my youth, but now my aim and strength to hold my stretched bow has deteriorated,” he said, wiping his partially wrinkled lips carefully, and stuffing a doma in his mouth.

The archer from Dobshari, Paro, said he thought of creating a team with only elderly archers. But there were not enough of them, so he roped in others, who are at least above 40.

“I may not be able to play archery after two to three years, and so my friends and I decided to take part in this tournament, while we still can,” he said, pushing his white glasses towards his eyes. “It’s fun for us.”

His friend Tsen Tshering, 60, said, because of his old bones and unsteady nerves, he is using weak bows. He started playing archery since he was 25. “During the Third King’s time, I was considered one of the sharpshooters; now it’s difficult to aim,” he said.

Another 60-year old archer, Pem Tshering, said he has played archery on traditional bamboo bows and still enjoys doing so. “But it’s sad to see fewer people using traditional equipment,” he said. “One reason could be the not so attractive prizes for traditional tournaments compared to compound bow tournaments.”

The elderly team lost the first game set to ‘Return a Friend’ team in a neck-and-neck fight. The team managed to balance its opponent score 9-9, when the second match was called off yesterday, because it was getting to dark to play. The match will continue today.

In the other match, Druk Chapchap onstruction completed the first game, while its opponent was at 12, and was still leading the second set 15-12 when playtime ended. The match will continue today.

Bhutan Telecom will play Chharigchen, and DGPCL will take on Transport United tomorrow.

Source: Kuenselonline