The women’s tournament is more popular than the men’s at the ongoing national Khuru Tournament that began from February 5 in Thimphu.

The game once played only by men has become popular among women today.

Choki Lhamo from Dagana had waited for about a year for the tournament, which is being organised by Bhutan Indigenous Games and Sports Association (BIGSA).

Choki Lhamo and her team – Dagana Charo – spent Nu 9,000 to come to Thimphu. “We come from one of the furthest places. But it does not matter because we get chance to pursue our interest. The tournament helps us connect with the new people,” she said.

Dagana Charo came second in 2016. However, the team missed their chance in 2017. “It’s difficult to get information about the tournament. We could not take part in the tournament last year and it was disappointing,” said Choki Lhamo.

In the opening match between Dagana Charo and team Sharp Shooter yesterday, Dagana Charo defeated Sharp Shooter in two straight sets of 22-25 and 22-25.

In the second set, Sharp Shooter was close to taking the match to the deciding set when the two was leveled at 21-21 for the several rounds. However, the match favoured Dagana Charo.

Tshering Yangden from Thimphu played the tournament for three times and was defeated for the second time by the women from Dagana.  Her first loss to the team was in 2016.

She said that the tournament provided an opportunity to meet and mingle with new people. “We would usually be home,” said Tshering Yangden.

Choki Lhamo said that such tournament was not organised before. “I feel that it is important to conduct such tournament, especially when the traditional games losing their pride of place.”

Nine women’s team from across the country is taking part in the tournament.

Technical officer at BIGSA, Pema Dawa, said that women’s match saw more spectators. “Close to 100 spectators gathered to watch women teams play.”

He said that the tournament received various criticisms from the people in the beginning. “We were blamed for causing unfortunate incidents in the country. However, the trend has improved now.”

Entry fee of Nu 5,000 were collected from each team.

The winners will be given a cash prize of Nu 8,000 with rolling trophy. Runners-up team will take home Nu 6,000.

Nima