London made history by hosting its first Nezabazi competition, introducing Pakistan’s traditional tent pegging sport to a wider audience in the United Kingdom. The event brought together more than 100 pedigree horses and skilled riders from across the UK and Pakistan, celebrating culture, sportsmanship, and community spirit.
The competition took place in Acton, where riders from Bradford, Birmingham, Manchester, and several other British cities competed alongside participants from Jhelum, Multan, and Rawalpindi. More than 24 men’s teams, including three visiting teams from Pakistan, showcased exceptional riding skills in one of South Asia’s oldest equestrian sports. The event also featured the youngest competitor, just nine years old, highlighting the growing popularity of the tradition among younger generations.
Organised by British Pakistani entrepreneurs Khwaja Bilal Hassan and Ahsan Hussain, the event aimed to promote Pakistani culture and introduce Nezabazi to people from different backgrounds. Several Sikh Nezabazi teams also participated, reflecting the shared heritage of this historic Punjabi sport and encouraging greater cultural unity.
Speaking at the event, Pakistan High Commission Press Minister Ali Nawaz Malik praised the organisers for successfully showcasing Pakistan’s cultural heritage. He particularly welcomed the increasing number of female riders, describing their participation as a positive sign for the future of the sport. He added that Nezabazi has the potential to expand across Britain and attract wider international interest.
MP Yasmin Qureshi also applauded the organisers, saying the strong turnout demonstrated growing curiosity about Pakistan’s traditional sports. She noted that hosting such a large event required dedication and careful planning while helping introduce a unique aspect of Pakistan’s sporting culture to British audiences.
The successful debut of the London Nezabazi competition has opened a new chapter for tent pegging in the UK. Organisers hope the event will become an annual tradition and inspire similar competitions across the country, strengthening cultural connections while preserving one of Pakistan’s oldest equestrian traditions.
