What is the national sport of Bhutan?

Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

Archery, called dha in Bhutanese contexts, has deep historical and cultural importance in Bhutan. Traditional competitions are social events that combine shooting with singing, dancing, food, and celebrations. Teams typically shoot at small wooden targets from long distances, and participants may perform dances after successful shots.

Bhutan’s traditional bows were made from bamboo or other natural materials, while modern competitors may use compound bows. The country also participates in international archery competitions, including Olympic-style events, although traditional Bhutanese archery remains distinct in equipment and atmosphere.

The sport is associated with Bhutan’s national identity and is played in villages, towns, and festival settings. It is not the same as khuru, a traditional Bhutanese dart game, which is also popular but is not the country’s national sport.