A historic tent pegging competition took place in London for the first time, bringing together skilled riders, traditional culture, and equestrian excellence. The event featured more than 100 pedigree horses and riders from the United Kingdom and Pakistan.
Several Pakistani and Kashmiri Nezabazi groups travelled from Bradford, Birmingham, Manchester, and other parts of the UK to participate in the major sporting event. The competition was held at a rugby ground in Acton, where riders displayed their traditional horse-riding skills.
At least 16 experienced riders travelled from Pakistan to take part in the competition. Most participants came from Jhelum, Multan, and Rawalpindi, regions known for their strong connection with equestrian traditions.
The event was organised by British Pakistani entrepreneurs Khwaja Bilal Hassan and Ahsan Hussain. They brought together Nezabazi enthusiasts from across the UK and Europe to celebrate and promote the centuries-old sport.
Pakistani and Sikh Riders Celebrate Traditional Sport
The competition attracted diverse participation, including several Sikh Nezabazi groups from London. These groups joined the event to honour the historical roots of tent pegging, which has strong links with the Punjab region.
A total of 24 men’s teams competed in the tournament. Three teams travelled specially from Pakistan to participate in the event. The competition also highlighted the involvement of young riders, with the youngest participant being only nine years old.
The organisers explained that the purpose of the event was to promote Pakistani culture and introduce the traditional sport to a wider international audience.
Officials Highlight Cultural and Sporting Importance
Pakistan High Commission Press Minister Ali Nawaz Malik attended the event and appreciated the efforts to promote Pakistan’s cultural heritage in Britain.
He said: “The Pakistan High Commission fully supported the competition and welcomed efforts to promote Pakistan’s traditional sports and cultural heritage in Britain. Children, adults and families have all come to watch the event.
“It is especially encouraging to see so many female riders taking part in tent pegging, a sport traditionally associated with men. Women’s participation is a very healthy and positive development, and the encouragement they are receiving is impressive. I believe Ahsan and Bilal have introduced a new sport to the city. Many Pakistanis living here were not previously aware that tent pegging was an established competitive sport.
Ali Nawaz Malik added: “It is now being introduced to a wider audience, and the large turnout shows that people are interested in learning about it as a sport and a healthy activity. I understand that the organisers plan to take the event to northern England and other parts of the country. This is not only a cultural and sporting activity. It also has business and commercial potential. I feel extremely happy and proud to witness the launch of this new sporting brand.”
The official further highlighted that the growing interest in tent pegging could create new opportunities for cultural events and sporting activities in the future.
Tent Pegging Gains Recognition Among British Communities
The event also received appreciation from Yasmin Qureshi MP, who praised the Pakistani community for promoting one of the country’s oldest traditional sports.
She said: “It is wonderful to see tent pegging gaining popularity and the Pakistani community proudly showcasing one of Pakistan’s traditional sports. A large number of people have come to watch the competition, which shows the growing interest in the event.
The organisers deserve great credit because arranging an event of this scale requires a significant amount of time, effort, focus and planning. Everyone appears to be enjoying themselves, and the competition is helping people understand that Pakistan has many different sports and that tent pegging is one of its oldest traditional sporting activities.”
The successful London competition marked an important milestone for tent pegging outside Pakistan. Moreover, it introduced the sport to new audiences while strengthening cultural connections between Pakistani communities and the wider British society.
With increasing participation from men, women, and young riders, organisers hope to expand future competitions across different parts of the UK. The event has created a platform to celebrate Pakistan’s sporting traditions and preserve the legacy of tent pegging for future generations.
