The Khasi archers of Raliang: a women’s tradition meets Olympic ambition

In the Jaintia Hills, the traditional archers are women — the sport descends through the matrilineal line, and village competitions remain a fixture of the festival calendar.

The state’s modern archery programme has recruited from this tradition, and two athletes from the region are now in national camps.

Coaches see a natural fit: ‘The traditional bows are heavier. Our archers have been training for centuries without knowing it.’