Shillong, Jan 25: Archery is a part of the traditional rites of indigenous people in Meghalaya with folk tales of its origins told for generations. The rules of the event are set by the Khasi Hills Archery Sports Institute. Khasis, with the Jaintias and the Garos, are the Indigenous people of the state.

Picture: Twitter

In villages scattered throughout northeast India’s Meghalaya, an ancient tradition of archery still continues and regular competitions are held between different localities.

Picture: Twitter

Archery has been the traditional sport of the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya for centuries. A group of local men practices archery on a ridge overlooking the Laitlum Canyon about 20 km from Shillong.


Also Read: Earth’s core might now be spinning in the opposite direction, What happens now?

Archery Meghalaya

Picture: TwitterYoung Khasi boys receive training for archery at a young age and become skilled by the time they grow up.

Archery Meghalaya
Picture: Twitter

A quiver of arrows is hung on the wall of the office of the Khasi Hills Archery Sports Institute in Shillong.

Archery Meghalaya
Picture: Twitter

Each afternoon, except on Sundays and public holidays, this event takes place in a small field and people place bets on the results.

Archery Meghalaya
Picture: Twitter

The betting is believed to provide employment to over 10,000 people. These are mostly ticket sellers and operators at the archery counter.

Archery Meghalaya
Picture: Twitter

Organizers collect arrows from a hay target to be counted after the first round of an archery event in Shillong.

What do you mean by Archery?

Archery is the sport, practice, or skill of using a bow to shoot arrows. The word comes from the Latin arcus, meaning bow. Historically, archery has been used for hunting and combat. In modern times, it is mainly a competitive sport and recreational activity. A person who practices archery is typically called an archer, bowman, or toxophilite.