India’s enthusiastic initiation into the Archery Premier League is still yet to take shape. But a neighbouring country, which has been running an Archery league for a few years, has reached a height where people are becoming fanatic, spending money as the fans spend time and money to watch IPL and ISL matches!
It is Bhutan, the beautiful hilly nation known for its high happiness meter, that has been running the Druk Premier League for some time now. Archery, or khuru, as it is called, is nowadays attracting a large crowd at the Changlimethang Archery Stadium. Fans reckon ‘archery is in our blood’, and throng the competition each season. Even the fans have been responding to an appeal that was campaigned on its official Facebook page, urging fans to part with more than 50 Nu (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 50 Nu to watch the game reflects the 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 connection and offers wholesome entertainment at the National Stadium.
However, buoyed by the craziness of the archery-fanatics, Druk Premier League organizers feel that more improvement for the development of the game is needed. But they seem to have gained the momentum. Their post says, ‘Look at how IPL became popular. People pay to watch, and in return, players perform because they are paid professionals.’
