The national sport in Bhutan is archery. Hungary, my country, also has long archery tradition, so for me it was obvious that a Bhutan-Hungary Archery Match would take place one day. To make it happen, I initiated the first visit of Hungarian traditional archers to Bhutan working with Roland Csaki, ambassador of the Hungary-based International Archery Association and dr Kinzang Dorji, president of the Bhutanese Indigenous Games and Sports Association, BIGSA.
Due to relentless efforts of our Bhutanese hosts, last March the Hungarian team of seven arrived in Bhutan and played three friendly matches agains local teams. In addition, they demonstrated their distinctive archery and combatting skills to entertain and educate their hosts and the audience. In Thimphu, it was great honor to meet with HRH Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, president of the Bhutan Olympic Committee who himself is a dedicated and skilled archer.
Considering the great success of our first cultural exchange program, we all look forward to continuing the discovery of our traditions and cultures!
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| Traditional ceremony to kick off the match |
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| HRH Jigyel Ugyen Wancghuck learns about Hungarian traditional bows and arrows from Peter Nahoczki. |
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| Roland Csaki tries to hit the target from 140 meters. |
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| The Hungarian delegation with HRH Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuk and dr Kinzang Dorji, former PM of Bhutan |
On the same archery ground, about two weeks later, HRH Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuk welcomed two "British archers": the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who bravely tried the Bhutanese bows and arrows and had lots of fun.
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| The Prince explains to his guests |
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| Getting closer to the target |
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| The Duke tries to apply what he was told. His wife is watching. |
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| Kate Middleton was allowed to play, but Bhutanese women are not permitted to play traditional archery. |
LEARN MORE ABOUT BHUTANESE ARCHERY
HERE.
