Soksom

It is the sport where when a javelin is thrown 20 meters. The game was popular among cow herders in the past. The goal of Soksom is to hit a target at the end of the range typically set at a distance of around 20 meters. The game of Soksom is deeply rooted in the pastoral lifestyle of Bhutan, especially among cow herders, who found in it not only a form of recreation but also a means of developing and demonstrating their physical prowess and accuracy. The sport was traditionally seen as a way to hone skills that were valuable in their daily lives, such as the ability to accurately throw objects over a distance, which could be useful for herding cattle or defending livestock from predators.

The javelin used in Soksom is typically a slender, elongated stick with a pointed end, designed to be aerodynamic and easy to throw. The skill in Soksom lies not just in the ability to throw the javelin over a distance but also in the precision required to hit the target. This requires a combination of strength, coordination, and practice.

Over time, while the practical needs for such skills have diminished, Soksom continues to be played in some parts of Bhutan, largely as a recreational activity and a way to keep traditional sports alive. It stands as a reminder of Bhutan's pastoral past and reflects the country's rich cultural heritage in sports.