Tent-pegging: 700 horsemen, 107 teams, in countrywide tournament

Khosa says provincial govt will help promote the traditional sport.

SARGODHA:

Horsemen representing Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Jhang, Faisalabad and Mianwali won the competitions held on the opening day of All Pakistan Inspector General of Police Tent-pegging tournament in Sargodha on Thursday. 

As many as 700 horsemen in 107 teams are taking part in the first-ever national-level tournament.

The opening day included dancing horses performances and a tug-of-war competition.

The inaugural session was addressed by advisor to the Chief Minister Sirdar Zulfiqar Khosa and Punjab Police Sports Deputy Director additional IG, Mehr Zafar Abbas.

Khosa said the sport of tent-pegging was a part of Punjab’s culture.

He said the government was willing to extend support for the promotion of the game. He thanked additional IG Abbas for organising the tournament.

Earlier, the AddIG said that unlike popular sports, there was no organisation in the province to work for the promotion of tent-pegging. He said most people did not take interest in equestrian sports because of the high cost of keeping and feeding horses. He said that with support from the provincial government, the game could be made more affordable, and hence, popular among the people.

Abbas later led 400 horsemen in a march past.

IG (Motorway Police) Zafarullah and Sargodha University Vice Chancellor Dr Akram Chaudhry will be the chief guests on the second day (today).

Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th, 2011.