Tent Pegging: The Cultural Sport of Pakistan

Tent pegging or Nezabazi is a cavalry sport of ancient origin. Tent pegging the traditional sport of Pakistan started back in the 4th century and later spread across Europe. The sport requires strength and fitness to excel. Since centuries tent pegging has been an integral part of cultural celebrations in Punjab.

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In Tent pegging horses run straight towards target with lance in rider's hand. The rider runs towards peg (target) and pierces the peg from ground with his lance. Successful rider gets 4 points and if peg drops soon then he gets 2 points. This competition is held for single rider and also for a team of four riders commonly called section. Each section has to score sixteen points.

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The starting point is very important for rider because if he succeeds to set a good tempo he can easily approach target. Every rider has some special techniques to start his run. Some riders focus on target and start their run gently and some riders start their run aggressively by standing up horse on its behind legs to get the momentum. Generally crowd likes the aggressive run of the horse.

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Then rider approaches the target and picks up the peg with lance. For this rider requires a lot of practice and training. Horses are also trained for this competition. The peg size varies during competition starting from 4 inches, then 2 inch and if there is close competition the peg size is reduced to 1 inch. Only expert riders can reach up to this level.

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After getting the peg the celebration style is also very interesting. Every rider develops his own style of celebration. They rise the lance with peg high in the air to show the people the prize of their hard work.

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Thanks for Reading, Voting and the Support. I have traveled in all over Pakistan from Punjab's rural areas to NWFP and Kashmir to capture these photographs.
ZAGHAM @lifeskills-tv