By Meera Regmi
OCA Young Reporter from Bhutan
Nagoya, Japan, September 27, 2026: Behind every arrow and national uniform lies an untold story of patience, resilience and countless sacrifices. As Bhutan's national sport, archery holds a special place in the country's identity, carrying a legacy that extends beyond medals.
For Bhutan's three-member recurve team, competing at the Asian Games means more than years of practice, personal sacrifices and national pride. It is also a shared journey shaped by unity, brotherhood and a mutual love for archery. Though different in age, aspirations and experience, the three athletes stepped on to the Asian Games stage with a common purpose: the responsibility of representing their country at one of Asia's biggest sporting events.
The team expressed excitement and gratitude during the preliminary round, acknowledging how their past experiences and their coach's constant guidance had helped them approach the competition with confidence.
“It's my first time at the Asian Games, and I feel at ease because I'm with two of my brothers, who are much more experienced. It's always good to know that you have someone to rely on and learn from, especially during anxious moments," said the youngest member, Sonam Penjor.
For the team, handling pressure and competing against some of Asia's finest archers is not something learned overnight. Rather, it is a quality shaped by past experiences, perseverance and countless hours of practice.
“Our previous competitions have really helped us. We haven't faced many challenges apart from the weather, as it has been drizzling. With experience and confidence, we did our best today," said Kinley Tshering.
“As Kinley mentioned, our previous experiences and exposure have guided us. Every competition teaches us something new. These experiences have helped us improve our performance and maintain our composure. With experience and belief in ourselves. We tried our best today," said Lam Dorji.
Watching a teammate grow can be just as meaningful as witnessing one's own progress. For Bhutan's recurve team, witnessing the growth of its youngest member, Sonam Penjor, has been a source of pride and joy for the two senior archers, who have had the opportunity to watch his development firsthand. Both expressed their admiration for how far he has come.
“It's been almost eight years since I first saw him. Back then, he was just a kid, a short kid, but he already had an intense passion for archery. He still has that same passion today. The only thing that has changed is that he is now taller than me. We have watched him grow, and he has really evolved into a good archer. Sometimes, he even outshines us. He approaches the sport with respect and curiosity and is always eager to learn. I'm really proud to see him become someone we can rely on and trust.”said Lam.
“He has really grown. Initially, he had a tough time handling pressure and his emotions. After all, he was still very young. However, years of practice and, especially, his love for the sport have helped him change for the better. He now performs well and handles pressure and his emotions with greater composure and maturity. He performed well today, too, and we are really proud of him," Kinley added.
Apart from individual skills and experience, a team's strength also lies in how well its members understand one another. For the three archers, building chemistry is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process shaped by shared experiences, mutual support and a common love for the sport. Over time, their shared passion for archery has helped them build a strong foundation of communication and collaboration.
Describing themselves as "brothers from other mothers," the three archers have developed a bond that extends far beyond the competition that has led them to the Asian Games
"Despite coming from different families and backgrounds, we have now become real brothers. We are a close-knit team built on trust, support and love for one another. We are a source of encouragement for each other. This bond has helped us become open with one another, which is very important in competition. We point out each other's mistakes, help one another correct them and move forward stronger. We learn from each other, and it's easy to ask questions because I know we can sit down together, discuss our problems, find solutions and learn from one another," Lam explained.
For Bhutan's recurve team, representing their country means far more than fulfilling personal dreams or competing on an international stage. It is about carrying their nation's pride and acknowledging the support they have received from their people. For the archers, wearing their national colours is a reminder of the responsibility and honour that come with representing Bhutan.
“Having Bhutan's name on our backs and wearing our national flag on our chests means a lot. We are not here to represent ourselves; we are here to represent our country and our people, who have showered us with love and encouragement. We carry their trust, prayers and hopes. As athletes, being able to represent our country is truly a proud moment," said Lam.
“Representing Bhutan is both a huge responsibility and a dream come true for me. After eight years of hard work, I am finally here at the Asian Games. I hope to continue competing and represent my country at the next Asian Games as well.”said Penjor.
“Representing Bhutan is a great honour for me. When I shoot an arrow, I know I am not competing just for myself; I am carrying the hopes and prayers of the people back home. Wearing my national attire, with my country's name on my back, gives me the motivation and strength to perform to the best of my ability," Kinley expressed.