Pakistan to participate in women's tent pegging grand Prix in Jordan

KARACHI: Pakistan’s three-member team will participate in the women’s tent pegging grand Prix in Jordan this month, an official of the Equestrian Federation of Pakistan confirmed to Geo News.

Asad Hayyat, secretary general of EFP told Geo News that the women’s international tent pegging championship will be held in the historic and archaeological city of Petra in Jordan from September 22 to 24.

Pakistan will be represented by Kinza Farhat and Ayesha Ahmed Khan along with Zoya Meer in the event.

According to Asad, the Pakistani team was selected after open trials conducted by the federation. The team is currently training in Lahore and scheduled to depart for Jordan from Sialkot on 20th September.

This is the first major event for Pakistan women's tent pegging team. Previously they went to South Africa on a training tour.

Meanwhile, Kinza Farhat – a member of the Pakistan Tent Pegging Team – told Geo News that she’s looking forward to giving her best for the country.

“Riding has always been a passion, and I feel the luckiest to be selected for the national team, now I am not doing it for myself but for my country, the responsibility is on my shoulders and I will give my all for Pakistan,” said Kinza, 26, who is also a mass communication graduate.

Ayesha Ahmed Khan, another member of the Pakistan team, aimed to make Pakistan proud during the upcoming event.

“Horses have been my best friends since the day we met. My passion for tent-pegging is much more than it can be put into words. The adrenaline rush and the feelings anyone experiences in this game are unmatched. I hope and strive to make Pakistan proud,” said Ayesha, 17, who is doing horse riding since childhood and opted for Tent Pegging as a sport in May.

Zoya Mir, the third member of the squad, highlighted the importance of coordination between the horse and the rider and added that she’s working on this particular area to make sure that she gives her best during the competition.

“The most important thing in equestrian games is not only about winning but about performing the best which is possible only by a collaboration between the horse and the rider and that is what I am working for the last few days. We riders will not be playing for the crowd but only for our country,” said Zoya.