Bhutan's archery is much more different from the sport that we are used it, since the bows and arrows used in the Olympics are drastically different. In Bhutan, traditional archery is deeply embedded in the nation's culture and is considered the national sport. Unlike Olympic archery, which uses recurve bows made from modern materials like carbon fiber and fiberglass, Bhutanese archers use traditional handmade bows, often crafted from bamboo or other natural materials. These traditional bows are less uniform and more varied in their construction than their modern Olympic counterparts, adding a unique element of skill and craftsmanship to the sport.
The arrows used in Bhutanese archery are also traditionally made, typically from bamboo, and are often adorned with colorful feathers. The craftsmanship of both the bow and arrows reflects Bhutan's rich artisanal heritage and the importance of preserving traditional practices.
Furthermore, the style of play in Bhutanese archery is quite different. The targets are much smaller and placed at a significantly longer distance — usually over 100 meters away — compared to the 70-meter distance used in Olympic archery. This greater distance adds to the challenge and skill level of the sport.
Archery also is the national sport in Bhutan, thus, competitions are held regularly in most villages.