Bhutanese Archers Enjoy Their National Sport

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Bhutanese archers watch a teammate shoot an arrow towards a target 150 meters away March 29, 2008 in Thimphu, Bhutan. Archery is an ancient traditional sport that the Bhutanese are extremely passionate about. The Bhutanese often wear the traditional national dress, which is a kimono-like gown called a gho, while playing. Some archers use either a homemade crafted bamboo bow that costs between 300-800 Bhutanese Ngultrum ($7.50 to $20.00 US ) while others choose the high end imported brands that can cost well over $1,000 USD. Recently, Bhutan finished third with 10 silvers and 8 bronze medals in the recent South Asian Archery Championship and has four archers going to the Olympic Games this summer. Bhutan is currently in the midst of a political transition becoming the world's newest democracy after a successful election was held.

(Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Tshering Dorgi, 9-years-old, helps his friend Tandin, 5-years-old, handle a bow and arrow for the first time while their parents are busy with an archer tournament March 30, 2008 in Thimphu, Bhutan. Archery is an ancient traditional sport that the Bhutanese are extremely passionate about. The Bhutanese often wear the traditional national dress, which is a kimono-like gown called a gho, while playing. Some archers use either a homemade crafted bamboo bow that costs between 300-800 Bhutanese Ngultrum ($7.50 to $20.00 US ) while others choose the high end imported brands that can cost well over $1,000 USD. Recently, Bhutan finished third with 10 silvers and 8 bronze medals in the recent South Asian Archery Championship and has four archers going to the Olympic Games this summer. Bhutan is currently in the midst of a political transition becoming the world's newest democracy after a successful election was held.

Norbu smiles as he watches a teammate score at the target 150 meters away March 29, 2008 in Thimphu, Bhutan. Archery is an ancient traditional sport that the Bhutanese are extremely passionate about. The Bhutanese often wear the traditional national dress, which is a kimono-like gown called a gho, while playing. Some archers use either a homemade crafted bamboo bow that costs between 300-800 Bhutanese Ngultrum ($7.50 to $20.00 US ) while others choose the high end imported brands that can cost well over $1,000 USD. Recently, Bhutan finished third with 10 silvers and 8 bronze medals in the recent South Asian Archery Championship and has four archers going to the Olympic games this summer. Bhutan is currently in the midst of a political transition becoming the world's newest democracy after a successful election was held.

A Bhutanese archer aims his bow and arrow towards a target 150 meters away as fellow archers watch March 29, 2008 in Thimphu, Bhutan. Archery is an ancient traditional sport that the Bhutanese are extremely passionate about. The Bhutanese often wear the traditional national dress, which is a kimono-like gown called a gho, while playing. Some archers use either a homemade crafted bamboo bow that costs between 300-800 Bhutanese Ngultrum ($7.50 to $20.00 US ) while others choose the high end imported brands that can cost well over $1,000 USD. Recently, Bhutan finished third with 10 silvers and 8 bronze medals in the recent South Asian Archery Championship and has four archers going to the Olympic Games this summer. Bhutan is currently in the midst of a political transition becoming the world's newest democracy after a successful election was held.

A well used Bhutanese target is seen March 30, 2008 in Thimphu, Bhutan. The target has a unique shape and is usually hand carried to the games. Archery is an ancient traditional sport that the Bhutanese are extremely passionate about. The Bhutanese often wear the traditional national dress, which is a kimono-like gown called a gho, while playing. Some archers use either a homemade crafted bamboo bow that costs between 300-800 Bhutanese Ngultrum ($7.50 to $20.00 US ) while others choose the high end imported brands that can cost well over $1,000 USD. Recently, Bhutan finished third with 10 silvers and 8 bronze medals in the recent South Asian Archery Championship and has four archers going to the Olympic Games this summer. Bhutan is currently in the midst of a political transition becoming the world's newest democracy after a successful election was held.

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Tashi Tshering (3) Dorji Dolma (3) Ngawang Tashi (2) Dorji Dema (1)