SWABI: The centuries-old sport, Mukha, has started in various villages of the district.

Players and game lovers told Dawn here on Friday that they had kept the traditional sport alive on their own without seeking any help from the sports and culture department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Mukha is similar to archery, they said, adding that it is played with wooden rods (arrows) tipped with a small metal plate for hitting the target set at different distances.

However, they said usually the target was set around 35 feet away and 12 feet high.

Mukha is largely played in Swabi, Buner and Mardan districts in hot summer and teams from the three districts frequently compete with each other.

The reason why the sport is only played in summer is the bow which is made from stag horns could only work properly in hot season, said Khan Aman of Maini village.

Zahid Khan of Bamkel said that they planned to organise a Mukha tournament this season.

Each Mukha team comprises 10 players, led by mashar (captain) and wazir (vice-captain), while other players are known as mukhwals.

The game is very complicated and interesting as well and usually continues till very late into night.

If a player hits the target, which is made with fresh clay, then his supporters would start beating the drums, and if he misses then his rivals would celebrate.

Rohal Amin, an old player of the game, said tournaments were held from time to time to keep the sport alive.

Salam Pur of Gadoon mountainous region said that the game was originally played by the Yousufzai tribe. He said the main tournament always attracted large crowds, including dancers and drum beaters.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2015

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