Danish pigeon wins first of its kind endurance race in Pakistan

Winning bird completes 650km journey from Rajanpur to Peshawar in 7 hours and 5 minutes

PESHAWAR: In one of its kind endurance race for pigeons, a female bird imported from Denmark set the record of covering a whopping 650 kilometre long journey from Punjab’s Rajanpur district to Peshawar in 7 hours and 5 minutes on Sunday.

The winning bird was owned by Saeed Shafi, who received a motorcycle as his winning prize.

Rather than being viewed as pets, these birds are champions of endurance who evoke a passionate following across the country.

The female pigeon made her way back to home in Peshawar’s Gulbahar neighbourhood in the shortest possible time.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

The second position was bagged by a pigeon that belonged to Wahab Afridi of Bara district while the third position was secured by Ubaid Hussain’s bird who  hails from Hayatabad township, Peshawar.



Millions of fans across Pakistan are enthralled by low and high altitude flying competitions, and races in which opponents attempt to distract each other’s’ birds among other tactics.

It is a rare pastime that brings together people from different social backgrounds — experts are often illiterate and the owners are rich.

According to Pigeon Association President Qamar Zaman, 87 out of 98 rival pigeons returned home in today's race.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

On Saturday, the first day of the race, 12 pigeons returned home and 9 today, whereas, around 11 pigeons are yet to reach their destination.

“Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa now holds the title for hosting the largest pigeon race in the country's history,” Zaman said.

Last month, a total of 1,721 pigeons participated in a 155km long race  from Hameedan area of Karak district to Peshawar.