Myagdi, Oct 2 – A fund of Rs. 5.1 million has been established to give continuity to the ‘Toranlha Gold Cup’ archery competition which is organized in every three years.The Thakali Service Committee has set up the ‘Toranlha Gold Cup Retirement Fund’ by collecting donations from members of the Thakali community at home and abroad. General secretary of the committee, Rabin Bhattachan, said that a fund has been set up to protect the taro (or archery) associated with the identity of the Thakali community.

So far, 10 editions of the tournament has already been held. Chairman of the committee, Som Prasad Tulachan, said that it will be easier to raise the prize money and management expenses of the competition after the fund starts drawing interest coming. The winners of the competition will been awarded five tola gold medal, the running shield and Rs 100,000 in cash prize. The second, third and consolation winners will receive Rs 50,000, Rs 25,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively, according to the committee.

Meanwhile, the 11th Central Toranlha Gold Cup Inter-Regional Archery Tournament has started in Beni, Myagdi from Friday. A total of 126 players from 18 groups from different parts of the country are participating in the three-day competition hosted by Thakali Service Samiti’s Beni chapter.Member of the House of Representatives Prem Prasad Tulachan inaugurated the competition. MP Tulachan stressed on the preservation of language, art, culture and customs of the Thakali community.

The Thakali community, which has its roots in Mustang, considers the game of taro or archery in modern times to be an indigenous tradition. In ancient times, it was customary to play taro for recreation after planting and cultivating. In the taro game, there bow and arrow made of bamboo are used. Arrows are fired at two planks placed about 150 meters apart.(RSS)