Pakistans Female Riders Excel in Traditional Tent Pegging Sport

Women’s Participation on the Rise in Traditional Pakistani Sport

A growing number of women and girls are participating in the traditional sport of “neza baazi” or tent pegging, which has historically been dominated by men. On a recent day at the Rawalpindi mela, an annual competition held on the outskirts of the city, several female riders took part in the event.

Among them was Anum Shakoor, 30, who rode her horse across the field, attempting to pierce a buried wooden target with her lance. Despite missing by a small margin, she received applause from the crowd. Shakoor’s team, Bint-e-Zahra Club, is Pakistan’s first female-only tent-pegging club, formed in 2025.

The club’s members, including 16-year-old Eshal Ibrahim and 32-year-old Sehrish Awan, competed alongside Shakoor at the mela. The event drew a large crowd of male spectators, many of whom were dressed in traditional attire, including turbans and “dhol” (drums) hanging from their necks.

The women’s participation in the sport has been met with interest from photographers, vloggers, and locals, who gathered to film and witness the event. Shakoor emphasized the importance of encouraging women to participate in sports, stating that it is essential for them to gain respect in the field.

Other female riders, including Ayesha Khan, 22, also participated in practice runs with their clubs. Khan’s experience with the sport began at a young age, when her father encouraged her to try out for the women’s national team. She has since competed in various tournaments, including one against a mixed-gender team from South Africa.

The increasing participation of women in traditional sports like neza baazi is noteworthy, as it reflects a growing trend towards greater inclusivity and diversity in Pakistani sporting events.

Source: Al Jazeera