Archery, which became the national sport in 1971, when the Bhutan joined the United Nations, is as passionately practised throughout the Kingdom today, as it has been in the past.

With target ranges dotted across the countryside, in all villages and towns, you have many opportunities to engage and watch all manner of shoot outs. From regulation practises between friends to, local club competitions and the larger more auspicious official tournaments. The enthusiasm shown never ceases to drop, in whatever capacity the local arrows are being launched.

As a rule, Bhutanese archery teams number 13 players, with alternate two-arrow releases in one direction, followed by two more back toward the original shoot-off position. Targets are consistently measured at 91cm x 28cm, with any karey (bullseye) score ushers in an archer team’s dance celebration and volley of verbal interaction.

Traditionally competitions take place at the local dzongkhag and gewog levels, with a particular emphasis on local festivals and holiday periods. The right class of equipment is essential, with, as my photos show, local bow makers and arrow-smiths still plying their trade across this the Kingdom. In short, serious competition archers go for best equipment they can get their hands on.

With Bhutanese archery regarded as a martial art, the seriousness of the sport seeps deep across the land.

Gloves-off encounters, calm breathing methods and high levels of zen-like concentration abound. Whether using traditional bamboo reed arrows with fletched feather fins, or modern technology equivalents, when watching close at hand, you can cut the competitive tension with a knife.

Although traditionally matches could go on for months, today competitions tend to be held over a couple of days. Practised by men and women, serious archers are still advised to abstain from sex the night before, with committed teams often electing to spend the night in the woods. Equally, local astrologers are often brought in for team selection, and positive thoughtfulness.

If you are lucky enough to engage in a local tournament close to hand, do remember that there are many reported injuries, as well as the occasional fatality. Especially to residents, spectators and even the odd passer-by. As tensions rise, the chat and sledging get fiercer, with supportive cheerleading and song.

Uniformly, the bow and arrow over time have played a substantial role in many Bhutanese traditions, myths and folklore. Likewise, they have always been one of the principal ways to arm the local populations during frequent disturbances, alterations and battles.

So enjoy, and if you get the chance have a local shoot off yourself – go for it.