Tent pegging in the UK: ’In neza bazi, anything can happen’

Sohail Hussain is one of a growing number of young, British Asians who has recently taken up tent pegging. Subscribe to The Guardian on YouTube ► The ancient cavalry sport, also know as neza bazi, has been practised in south Asian countries for centuries and involves horseback riders galloping across fields with spears, attempting to pick pegs out of the ground. The Guardian follows Hussain and his equestrian team, the Pathwar Haidri tent pegging club, as they host their first competition in the quiet market town of Dewsbury, Yorkshire and discovers a community obsessed with horses and the “adrenaline rush“ of the sport. Despite tent pegging’s growing popularity in the UK, Hussain says he has experienced discrimination from people who are intimidated by men like him playing an unfamiliar sport. British Pakistanis find fraternity in the cavalry sport of Neza Bazi ► The Guardian publishes independent journalism, made possible by supporters. Contribute to The Guardian today ► Sign up to the Guardian’s free new daily newsletter, First Edition ► Website ► Facebook ► Twitter ► Instagram ► The Guardian on YouTube: Guardian News ► Guardian Australia ► Guardian Football ► Guardian Sport ► Guardian Live ► #SohailHossain #TentPegging #NesaBazi #HorseRiding #Horses #UK