Young, energetic and competitive Rohan Hussain son of Major Atif Hussain is a youngest national tent pegging champion, a brilliant horse rider, and an emerging polo star. Rohan has GOD gifted talent and started his riding journey at the age of four. Now this sport has become a real lifestyle for him.
In 2015 at the age of 16, he won the national tent pegging championship. He is the youngest rider of Pakistan, out of 1100 riders he stood first place. "Being the youngest national tent pegging champion was my first big achievement, all my hard work paid off."From academic side Rohan is preparing for his A-level and intend to join Pakistan Army in future.
Tent pegging is the ultimate test of horsemanship, requiring determination, hand-eye co-ordination, discipline, and a fearless love of speed. It is a cavalry sport of ancient origin. Today, tent pegging is practised around the world, but is especially popular in Australia, India, Israel, Oman, Pakistan, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. In Pakistan tent pegging is known as "NezaBazi" as well. It is played in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and some parts of Sindh and Balochistan.
Rohan have won six gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal in international tent pegging and equestrian competitions Australia. These competitions demand a high degree of riding skill, athletic ability, drive,and the rider's ability to control his horse. "My best performance has made me the caption of Pakistan u-19 tent pegging team, which is an amazing experience" says Rohan.
Young boys usually prefer cricket and football but for Rohan tent pagging is a game of determination and will power. Riding horses is the same as driving a car. It is a strategic sport. It teaches and improves hand-eye co-ordination, spatial awareness, game play, and competitiveness.
He advised his young fellows "if you have never played tent pegging before, do not afraid to try it. Taking part and learning new skills are what really count. Just keep your ambitions high and try to achieve your goal and stay consistent."
Rohan's basic goal is to make his country and his supportive parents proud and to bring more gold medals for the beloved country. To polish his skill, he also intends to go to Argentina where he will get polo that is more advanced coaching.
Rohan has clear vision of success "everyday brings you a new challenge and I keep myself motivated about whatever I'm doing and I try to achieve my goal and I try to keep it simple."
In a newspaper interview he predicted international recognition for his sport in the near future and said: "By that time I will make it to the senior team and hope to represent Pakistan at the Olympics."
Rohan says, "I like to advice my young friends stay really persistent if you believe in it try to make it work for you. Just play that one sport in which you think you can excel, because if you play a dozen, so it's just like jack of all and master of none".