SWABI: Speakers at the inaugural ceremony of the traditional ‘Mukha’ (archery) tournament, which got under way here the other day, said it was important to pass on the local games to the young generation to preserve them.

They also welcomed the provincial government’s initiative to revitalise traditional sports. The district administration has organised the tournament in the Zaida village to mark the 77th Independence Day of the country.

The organisers told Dawn that Mukha players from across the district were participating in the contest. Spectators from the district and periphery regions thronged the venue to watch the players in action on the first day.

Each shot on the target was followed by beating of drums and dancing by the Mukha lovers. The game continued till late night.

Speaking on the occasion, deputy commissioner Nasrullah Khan said his administration organised ‘Mukha Azadi Tournament’ as per the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s ‘Awami Agenda’ programme.

“The provincial government is promoting regional sports, aiming to strengthen the traditions and culture of the Pukhtuns. “It is our responsibility to highlight the culture of the district in the entire province and play our due role in promoting the Mukha game along with other sports,” he said.

Former Mukha players said the archery game comprised the bow, which is known as Leenda in Pashto language, and arrow as Gashashay. They said Mukha had been the traditional game of Yousafzai tribe, and was played in Swabi, Mardan, Buner and some parts of Haripur district during summer.

Tajamul Khan, a known Mukha player from Maini village, said they strived to keep the centuries-old game alive. He said aged players revived the game by regularly organising tournaments, inviting teams from all regions.

The participants said such competitions inspired the youngsters to play the game instead of wasting their time in other useless activities.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2024