ISLAMABAD: Elegantly dressed in starched white shalwar kameez, waistcoats and turbans, riders mounted on beautiful horses left spectators in awe of their skill and speed at the opening day of the annual tent pegging competition.

Despite being held on a working day, the annual event drew a large crowd to the Fatima Jinnah Park on Thursday. The competition kicked off with a march-past by the competing riders mounted on decorated horses.

Capital Development Authority Member Environment Syed Mustafain Kazmi was invited as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony.

This year, 320 professional riders from Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Paktunkhuwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are participating in the two-day event, organized by Capital Development Authority (CDA) in collaboration with Pakistan Tent Pegging Federation. The event includes single, double and four men team categories. The opening day witnessed the single rider competition, in which mounted riders galloped at full speed and masterfully used a lance to pick up a small piece of wood from the ground.

Annual tent pegging competition returns to the capital.

The spectators thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to see atraditional sport in the capital and were thrilled by the stunning horsemanship displayed by the riders.

“I love watching tent pegging. Every year, I come to see this competition,” said Tahir Iqbal, a spectator.

He said that this is an ancient game of valiant riders and horses.

Six-year-old Maryam Malik was also among the spectators and enjoyed watching the horses in action. “I love horses and asked my father to bring me here to see the dancing and racing horses,” she said.

She said she loved how decorated the horses were.

A number of experienced riders, in their 50s and 60s also participated in the event and impressed the spectators. “Age does not matter, you need practice in the art of controlling the horse and being able to pick up such a small target at high speed, with precision,” said Mohammad Sabir, who is fifty-years-old and skillfully rode his horse Chan Varyam.

“Tent pegging marvelously combines, power, expertise and courage. It is a sport which appreciated by both Pakistanis and foreigners living in the capital,” Syed Mustaifain Kazmi said.

He said Pakistan is a country blessed with a diverse culture and the CDA is committed towards promoting folk games and traditions.

CDA Sports and Culture Director Asif Shujhan told Dawn the purpose of organising the event is to provide healthy entertainment for the residents of the twin cities. He said originally the event was scheduled for the weekend but rain is predicted on Saturday and Sunday so the dates were changed.

“When we decided to hold the event today, we were expecting a low turnout but are happy to see many people still showed up to enjoy this ancient sport,” he said.

Pakistan Tent Pegging Federation President Malik Mehrban Ali said several countries were interested in sending participants to this event but due to various reasons such as security, they could not attend. “Next year, we will ensure that participants from at least three other countries are able to attend,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2015

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