Cricket is one of the most popular and traditional sport of khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It has produced international athletes such as Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan, and Umar Gul. Apart from cricketers, Pakhtunkhwa has produced numerous world-class squash players, notably Hashim Khan, Qamar Zaman, Jahangir Khan, and Jansher Khan.
Some Pashtuns partake in buzkashi, a Mughal-era sport that was introduced to the region. The words “buz” and “kashi” both mean “dragging” or “pulling.” It is not a team sport; it is a game in which each player is on his own, as soon as the game begins. Despite the fact that buskashi is largely an individual activity, many alliances are formed.
Pukhtuns enjoy field activities because they are brave and proud of their arm power. A child tests his power against his peers in wrestling matches known as Parzawal while he is young. This is followed by other male-oriented sports. Later, he goes on hunting trips and, eventually, he carries a rifle for his own and his tribe’s security.
Games played in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa:
To provide all of the details of the numerous sports and games, a thorough investigation is required. However, a brief mention of some of the key sports popular throughout the tribal territory may be provided here. Kabaddi, Gulli Danda, Larroo or Pat Patoney, Kowat Kannarry, Kissa Kali Kali, Angay, Gangar, Cheendro or Peeto, Eishtapa.
Skhay:
It is one of the traditional sports of khyber pukhtum khwa. This is a game that young boys enjoy playing. It is found in all of NWFP’s settlements. It is a sport in which two teams compete against each other. Each squad has six to eight players. There are no restrictions on the number of players, however each side should have at least four players. Before the game begins, a specific location is targeted or stated that must be successfully touched by a specific member of the defensive team. In this game, each player is only allowed to run and play with one foot. The opposite hand’s claw is securely gripping the foot. During the game, one participant is tasked with tapping the designated spot. This player is being protected by a teammate so that he can reacquaint himself with the game.
Top Dandy:
This is a game that young boys enjoy playing. It is found in all of NWFP’s settlements. It is a sport in which two teams compete against each other. Each squad has six to eight players. There are no restrictions on the number of players, however each side should have at least four players. Before the game begins, a specific location is targeted or stated that must be successfully touched by a specific member of the defensive team. In this game, each player is only allowed to run and play with one foot. The opposite hand’s claw is securely gripping the foot. During the game, one participant is tasked with tapping the designated spot. This player is being protected by a teammate so that he can reacquaint himself with the game.
Meergatli:
Meergatli is a traditional game in Khyber Pujhtunkhwa played by young girls. This is also a tiny girl’s game. In this game, five spherical stone pebbles are gathered and played by four distinct players, one after the other. One of the pebbles is hurled into the air, and the other pebbles are quickly collected in one hand before the tossed pebble is grabbed with the same hand. The turn ends if the catch is dropped. This game is solely played with one hand. In today’s game, a tennis ball is also used.
Mazaray:
This is a chase-style indoor game popular among the elderly. It’s not quite like chess, but a diagram is created on the ground or on a cement floor. It is made up of twenty pebbles and four stones. The game is played by two people at a time. Only one side selects a side and places pebbles on specified columns before moving to the opposite side to block the leaving stones, which are known as ‘GUD,’ which indicates male sheep capable of cutting or eating the Gudey or sheep (pebbles). The sheep are expertly shepherded forward. If one side’s game succeeds in capturing more sheep, the other side is weakened and unable to defend his Guds.
