Shillong, July 2025 – Nestled beside the bustling Polo Ground in Shillong, the Khasi Hills Archery Sports Institute (KhASI) stands as a vibrant embodiment of centuries‑old indigenous archery traditions fused with modern sporting practices. Governed by the state‑regulated Khasi Hills Archery Sports Association (KHASA), KhASI orchestrates daily archery competitions that not only preserve cultural heritage but also sustain a major legalized betting economy known locally as “Teer
Archery, known as "Teer" in Khasi, traces its roots to communal contests between villages such as Laitryngew and Mawthohtieng, where archers once squared off in ancestral games tied to sacred and celebratory occasions. Formerly informal and unregulated, betting in these contests was outlawed during the late 1960s under Assam’s administration (Meghalaya then being part of Assam), with policing efforts targeting underground gambling.
However, a strategic shift occurred post-1972, when Meghalaya gained statehood. After a decade of state negotiations, betting on archery was formalized through the Meghalaya Amusements and Betting Tax Act on 1 October 1982. The introduction of KhASI, under the oversight of KHASA, aimed to regulate archery matches and create a transparent betting framework
Archery matches now unfold daily—excluding Sundays—at the Shillong Polo Ground and its adjacent venue near Furlong Polo Road. Here, around 50 local archers representing 12 affiliated clubs participate in two distinct rounds per session: typically involving 30 arrows in the first four minutes, followed by 20 in a second three-minute round. The total arrows landing in the straw target define the “winning numbers” by their last two digits
Subsequently, bettors—lining up at kiosks across Police Bazaar and even leveraging smartphone apps—place wagers on these two-digit outcomes. Stakes often start at Re 1, potentially yielding Rs 80 for correct guesses, or up to Rs 4,000 for both rounds—creating an intoxicating blend of cultural immersion and monetary allure.
Today, Teer betting funnels through thousands of state‑licensed stalls, with an estimated 5,000 kiosks operating daily and employing up to 10,000 people. While many of these stall operators earn modest wages—around Rs 400 per day—the kiosk owners and archery clubs earn substantially more, sustaining entire communities
Archers themselves hail chiefly from rural Khasi villages. They craft their own bamboo bows and arrows—typically marked in distinct colors for club recognition—and undergo intense training. Their performances are not only a matter of personal pride, but also a familial responsibility: profits from archery matches trickle down to households
KhASI’s structure embraces both sporting excellence and cultural preservation. Archers learn precision and discipline, while the local youth are taught ancestral skills passed down over generations. It’s a living heritage: bows carry feathers of vulture, goose, crane, or hornbill, and club members are taught stories that date back to Ka Shinam, the Khasi sky goddess.
Beyond daily Teer matches, KHASI and KhASI have contributed to archery’s broader mainstream reach. World Archery has recognized Shillong’s events for marrying indigenous culture with public spectacles, attracting both local archers and intrigued outsiders.
There are concerted efforts to channel local talent into national‑level coaching systems. The Sports Authority of India and Meghalaya state programs are working in tandem to train Khasi archers. Some aspire to move beyond Teer and compete nationally or even internationally—a vision evidenced by archers like Brigst Star and Brijen Majaw, who’ve actively participated in archery since the 1990s.
A 2024 High Court ruling reaffirmed KhASI’s legal status. The HC and Supreme Court recognized its licensing under the Act of 1939 (adapted for Meghalaya), thereby affirming the Institute’s standing among other state‑sanctioned operators. This legal cracking down ensures transparent and regulated betting, which contrasts sharply with underground gambling in parts of Assam and Tripura. Local officials regularly audit kiosks, track betting volumes, and ensure archers adhere to safety and sporting codes.
Despite KhASI’s success, certain challenges loom:
Fairness & Transparency: While regulated, the reliance on manual arrow counting and punter faith in dream‑based number picking demands ongoing vigilance. Apps and digital platforms are being trialed to increase transparency, though uptake remains cautious.
Youth Retention: Some local observers note that younger generations in Shillong are drifting away from archery, favoring academics or urban jobs. Yet KhASI remains a bastion for rural youth, many of whom sustain their families through the sport.
Economic Sustainability: Betting revenues fluctuate. While Teer draws as much as Rs 500 crore annually into Shillong’s economy, seasonal or legislative disruptions could destabilize incomes. KhASI is reportedly exploring alternative income streams, like tourism and archery workshops.
The Khasi Hills Archery Sports Institute in Shillong stands at the confluence of ancestral pride, grassroots livelihood, and sport modernization. With deep cultural roots and growing institutional recognition, KhASI offers a nuanced model: traditional archery catalyzing regulated economic inclusion, sporting opportunity, and rural‑urban cultural exchange.
As Meghalaya invests heavily in sports infrastructure—pledging over Rs 1,000 crore by 2028—the challenge for KhASI will be to retain its authenticity while embracing growth. For now, every arrow shot at the Polo Ground echoes more than skill—it narrates a story of tradition, modernity, and community resilience.
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