India’s enthusiastic initiation into the Archery Premier League is long awaited, and its start coinciding with Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti, is looking at riffing off traditional cultural and mythological tropes.
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But a neighbouring country which has been running an Archery league for a few years, held some wise learnings. Bhutan, the beautiful hilly nation known for its high happiness meter, has been running the Druk Premier League for some time now.
Archery, or khuru, as it is called, attracts large crowds at the Changlimethang Archery Stadium. Fans reckon ‘archery is in our blood’, and throng the competition each season. However an appeal went out on its official Fb page that urged fans to part with more than Nu 50 (1 Ngultrum = 1 Rupee) when being regaled by the exciting competition.
The Druk social media account said, “It’s time to start paying more than 50 Nu to watch Archery matches. Many people still expect everything to be free. What they fail to see is the entertainment and excitement this sport brings. The resistance to pay even Nu 50 to watch the game reflects overall attitude towards sport in Bhutan.”
Like in India, those who ask for free passes to cricket games are looked down on, in Bhutan, those not willing to pay to enjoy archery are being told off.
The hill nation, with beautiful vistas, serene nature trails, lovely people and exquisite cuisine, is known as the happiest place on earth, mostly because they don’t poke noses in others’ business and lead content lives. Sports are smaller in scale, but passionately practiced and followed. Archery, however, enjoys a deeper connect and offers wholesome entertainment at the National Stadium.
The clucking over paying a mere Nu 50 has however faced resistance, unmindful of struggles of athletes in the Druk. “It shows we still have a long way to go before we develop and professionalise the sport. Look at how IPL or Premier League (football) became popular. People pay to watch and in return players perform because they are paid professionals,” the post said.
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Archery has been part of Bhutanese culture since 1961, yet it remains stagnant in many ways, the post added. “One reason is people enjoy watching but are not willing to contribute to its growth. How can it grow without resources? Archery equipment itself is very expensive and despite low value, prizes compared to expenses incurred players continue to participate,” the Druk post added. “Prizes nowhere near enough to cover costs players bear during the game. So even small contribution of 50 Ngultrum can make a meaningful difference. It supports organisers and players,” It said.
While a source of great joy for fans, the sport had gotten into a pickle recently when some archers donned the yellow sashes called ‘areyy’ that are exclusive to the Armed Forces. An order was passed forbidding civilian archers from strapping on the military sash while turning up at Archery events.
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