ANNUAL SCHEDULE FOR BIGSA TOURNAMENTS ON TRADITIONAL SPORTS OF BHUTAN

BIGSA has inherited a number of very historic and important national tournaments on archery which are conducted on a yearly basis to pay tribute to our benevolent monarchs, to preserve and promote our rich and unique culture besides promoting our national sport as well as our traditional sports and values.

The 13^th Meeting of the Executive Committee of BIGSA held on 28 June 2012 had decided on the dates for various tournaments on traditional sports conducted by BIGSA as under:

ARCHERY

1. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Memorial National Archery Tournament on Traditional Equipment

• Background: This prestigious tournament was instituted by National Sports Association of Bhutan (NSAB), precursor of Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) and Bhutan National Archery Federation, to remember and pay tribute to the Father of Modern Bhutan, His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This archery tournament on traditional bamboo bow and arrows has now become crucial in preserving not only the traditional archery equipment but also our traditional way of playing the national sport with the advent and onslaught of imported archery equipment and new style of the sport such as the Yangphel style of archery.
• Current Sponsor: Since 2010, the main sponsor is India Bhutan Foundation since it is aimed at preservation and promotion of our unique and rich cultural aspects besides promotion of Bhutan-India friendship and people to people cooperation.
• Schedule: Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Memorial National Archery Tournament on traditional equipment is conducted in March-April with the final played on 2 May, coinciding the Birth Anniversary of His Late Majesty the 3^rd King.

2. Coronation Silver Jubilee National Archery Tournament on imported equipment

• Background: This Tournament was instituted in 1999 to pay tribute to of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck coinciding with the nationwide celebration of 25 Years of Glorious Reign of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. The Bhutanese people owe it to His Majesty for the unprecedented peace, progress and prosperity that all of us are able to enjoy today.
• Past sponsor/donor: The main sponsor is BOC.  Initially, some contributions/donations were collected from corporations and the private sector.
• Schedule: Coronation Silver Jubilee National Archery Tournament on imported equipment is held in April-May with the final played on 2 June 2012, coinciding with the Coronation Day of His Majesty the 4^th Druk Gyalpo.

3. Coronation National Archery Tournament on imported equipment

• Background: This prestigious tournament was instituted in 2008 to commemorate the historic Coronation of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck.
• Past sponsor: The tournament was sponsored fully by Royal Govt. in 2008 and by PHPA in 2009. Since 2010, PHPA has been sponsoring it partially. So, BOC is the main sponsor at present.
• Schedule: Coronation National Archery Tournament on imported equipment is conducted in September-October with the final played on 1 November, coinciding with the celebration of the Coronation Day of His Majesty the King.

4. Druk Wangyel National Archery Tournament on Traditional Equipment

•  Background: This tournament was instituted in 2004 to commemorate the Glorious Victory of Palden Drukpa over foreign militants in December 2003 and pay tribute and gratitude to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo for securing our sovereignty and national security by placing His Personal Life at great risk. The tournament is also aimed at preserving our rich history and culture.
• Past sponsor: The tournament was initially sponsored partially by Chhukha Hydro Power Corporation and then handed down to Druk Green Power Corporation.
• Schedule: Druk Wangyel National Archery Tournament on traditional equipment in November-December with the final played on 17 December, National Day of Bhutan.

KHURU

1. Men’s Khuru tournament

• Background: Khuru tournaments on a national scale was started by the then Division for Youth, Culture and Sports way back in 1998 which was taken over by BIGSA after its establishment in 2007. Since then annual tournaments have been conducted.
• Sponsor: Yoezer Events has been given the responsibility to organize this tournament in Thimphu since 2013.
• Schedule: This tournament is organized in August every year.

1. Women’s Khuru Tournament

(a) Background: Women’s Khuru has taken the country by storm as it became popular throughout the country through the initiatives coming from women Khuru enthusiasts. It is in keeping with the stated policy of BOC and BIGSA to promote any sport without any gender bias.

(b) Sponsor: BOC

(c) Schedule: This tournament will be organized in March every year.

DOE-GOR

1. Doe-Gor Tournament for men

• Background: BIGSA has organized the first Doe-Gor tournament in 2013 at Changlingmethang.
• Sponsor: It was sponsored by BOC and organized by Yoezer Events.
• Schedule:   This tournament will be conducted in July every year.