Pulwama, Aug 28: In a captivating event that showcased the skill and dedication of pigeon enthusiasts, the interdistrict pigeon racing tournament reached its conclusion in the picturesque Pampore area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Monday.
Organized by the Khrew Androosa Pigeon Association, the competition saw participation from around 15 teams of pigeons, each eying for victory in the flight competition.
During an impressive ceremony, the winners and runner-up teams were honoured for their exceptional performance. The top honours went to the team of pigeons owned by Gulzar Ahmad of Pampore, which emerged victorious by covering the maximum flight hours. Close behind, the team of pigeons owned by Imtiyaz Ahmad from Dadsara Tral was declared the runner-up.
Gulzar Ahmad, the owner of the winning team, was awarded a cash prize of rupees 35,000, while the runner-up, Imtiyaz Ahmad, received rupees 10,000. The event wasn’t only about the collective achievement of teams; individual pigeons also stood out. A pigeon owned by Javid Ahmad Deva of Kranchoo earned the prestigious title of “Bahadur Kabotar” for achieving the highest individual flight hours in the Pulwama pigeon racing history. According to Mohsin Ahmad, owner of one participating pigeon team, Javid’s exceptional pigeon remained airborne for an impressive 14 hours and 10 minutes, setting a new record in Pulwama district’s pigeon racing scene. The record-breaking feat is a testament to the bond between these pigeon fanciers and their extraordinary birds.
The event’s format allowed each team to release approximately 8 pigeons into the sky for each race, with the provision of substitutes for pigeons injured by Falcons or those unable to complete the flight within the first three hours. The cumulative flight time of all pigeons in a team was meticulously recorded by on-field umpires, forming the basis for determining the winner.
The felicitation ceremony was presided over by organizers including Riyaz Ahmad Bhat from Andrusoo, Nazir Ahmad from Khrew, Shabir Ahmad Bhat from Androosa, and Mushtaq Ahmad Khan from Hajibal. The ceremony added a touch of prestige to the event, highlighting the dedication and achievements of the pigeon fanciers.
