12th Sept 2009 as HRH Dasho Jigyel U. Wangchuck and Sonam Lhagyel lifted the Rolling Trophy for team Phoja, thunderous victory shouts sounded round the Changlimithang. It was thunderous moment and well deserved one for the team of Phoja, who completed their eighth straight win with the finals of 13th Yangphel Open Archery Tournament. Phoja was declared the ‘Best Team of the Year 2009’ after they defeated Namseycholing R and Quality Gases Pvt Ltd in the Sept 12 Finals.
When HRH Dasho Jigyel U. Wangchuck hit choenda completing Phoja’s 2nd game set in the 7th round itself, the match seemed decided in favor of Phoja but Namseycholing’s first in the 12th round made it unpredictable as there was chance that they could complete another one in three rounds left. But it was team of Quality Gases who completed a game set in the 15th round, having Namseycholing R to go into the penalties not with Phoja but with Quality Gases for 2nd position and not for the first. And Namseycholing R came through in the penalties with a two pointer hit. Quality Gases hit a single pointer from among five of shots allowed, losing the shootout.
But as the teams lined up for the prizes, not one of the players seemed disappointed and why should they, after all they are best three teams from 154 teams that started the tournament from around the country.
After Phoja had lifted their trophy for being the best, the individual best prize was given and for the time in the tournament, Talop Namgay Wangchuck seemed nervous. Talop Namgay had remained calm and steady through out tournament, under pressure, in penalty shootouts, in Seeded Competition but when Talop Namgay’s opened envelope to find key to his new Zen Estilo Car, his hand for the first time was trembling. But once he was in the car, the 2009 Best Archer drove away the car calmly away.
As Best Archer, all the other winners had the honor of receiving the prize from HRH Ashi Pema Choden Wangchuck as the chief guest of the occasion where some thousands attended.
