Five athletes, one flag and historic journey for Pakistan’s horseback archery team

LAHORE: Pakistan’s horseback archery team has made a historic debut at the 6th World Nomad Games 2026 in Kyrgyzstan, gaining valuable international exposure while competing against some of the world’s finest traditional horsemen and archers.

The landmark appearance has given Pakistan’s emerging horseback archers an opportunity to test their skills at one of the biggest international platforms for traditional sports and has inspired the players to raise their standards and prepare more strongly for future competitions.

Three male and two female athletes represented Pakistan at the prestigious event, proudly carrying the national flag onto the international stage and showcasing the country’s growing presence in horseback archery and traditional equestrian sports.

Pakistan horseback archery team head Aurangzeb Mubashar lauded the efforts of the players, describing their participation in the World Nomad Games as an important step forward for the sport in Pakistan.

He said the event had provided Pakistani athletes with invaluable international exposure and helped them understand the level of competition at the global stage. The players, he added, had returned with greater determination to improve their techniques, strengthen their skills and perform even better for Pakistan in upcoming international events.

“This exposure is extremely important for our players,” Mubashar said. “They have seen the standard of horseback archery at the international level and are now eager to improve their game and skills and compete even more strongly for the country in future events.”

Mubashar also praised the contribution of sports psychologist Mohsin Nawaz, whose role, he said, was instrumental in keeping the team mentally strong throughout the mega event.

He said Nawaz continuously worked with the athletes to strengthen their mental preparation, confidence and ability to cope with the pressures of international competition.

“Mohsin Nawaz’s services can prove invaluable in any sport at the international level,” Mubashar said. “He worked tirelessly to keep our team mentally strong during the World Nomad Games. Whichever federation acquires his services as a sports psychologist, he will serve it in the best possible manner.”

The historic participation was the result of years of perseverance, training and commitment by Pakistan’s horseback archery community, which has been working to establish the discipline on a stronger footing and provide local athletes with opportunities to compete internationally.

For the Pakistani contingent, the World Nomad Games were therefore about more than medals or results. The event offered a rare opportunity to learn from experienced international competitors, understand modern approaches to traditional equestrian sports and identify areas requiring further development.

The participation of both male and female athletes also reflected the sport’s expanding reach in Pakistan and its potential to produce competitive riders and archers capable of representing the country at major international events.

The team’s journey received valuable support from the National Bank of Pakistan, whose sponsorship helped the athletes compete on the international stage.

With the experience gained in Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan’s horseback archers now return home with greater confidence, a clearer understanding of the demands of international competition and a renewed determination to build on their historic World Nomad Games appearance.