Thousands gather at the Blackburn Kabaddi Mela after three years

 Participants at the tent pegging tournament

The Blackburn Kabaddi Mela made a grand return on Sunday after three long years. The event this year took place at Pleasington Playing Fields in Blackburn and saw thousands in attendance.

People from across the UK came to watch the tent pegging tournament which kicked off early in the morning with the participation of national and local clubs. Tent pegging is an ancient equestrian sport that involves a race with a small target being picked up and carried away by mounted horseriders with the help of a sword or a lance.

The clubs could be distinguished through their attire featuring the club colours and matching turbans. They made grand entrances accompanied by the excitement of the supporters and drummers playing in the background.

Muhammed Mushtaq from Dewsbury who came to participate with his horse club, said, “Tent pegging is a very traditional sport and in Pakistan it is very popular. It is a very skilful sport and we were delighted to be taking part this year in front of such a huge crowd.”

A volleyball and weightlifting competition took place after the tent pegging tournament and as the day progressed, the kabaddi match began.

Many came to watch kabaddi at the venue including Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Councillor Suleman Khonat along with event sponsors and other guests.

All the volunteers had contributed immensely to make the event a huge success and their hard work paid off.

Councillor Shokhat Hussain who was an integral part of the organising committee said, “It has been brilliant turn out and the tent pegging on show was of a high quality. The weightlifting, volleyball and kabaddi was also great to see. It was a cracking event complimented with some cracking weather. We shall see if we can do it again next year. It has been a huge success.”