Qing Dynasty, from the Potala Palace

Early in the Tubo period, archery was a competitive sport among common people and officials alike. Archery is one of the nine skills which men have to master. Nine skills include literary talent, eloquence, calculation, archery, stone throwing, jumping, running, swimming and wrestling. The first three belong to literary skills while the last six are martial skills. Riders are required to shoot at targets within a set running distance and the number of rings they hit decides victory or defeat.