Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and people of all ages and skill levels enjoy the sport. Competitions and tournaments are regularly held throughout the year and particularly during festivals and other public holidays. In Bhutanese culture, archery is seen as a social event which brings people together. Teams can be seen playfully taunting opponents with special dances.
In a country where killing and violence are extremely looked down upon, it is quite an interesting cultural phenomenon and juxtaposition, since archery is an ancient martial art. As a sport, it requires deep concentration, presence, and mindfulness which the Bhutanese believe all contribute to mental development.
