A New Term for Al Fairoz

The General Assembly of the International Tent Pegging Federation (ITPF) met in Muscat, Oman in April 2026 and endorsed Mohammed bin Issa Al Fairoz to continue as President of the federation for the 2026-2030 term. The decision followed a preparatory Board of Directors meeting on April 2, chaired by Al Fairoz, which adopted the federation's legal and veterinary regulations and reviewed bids from member nations hoping to host international championships over the next two years.

Pakistan Wins a Seat on the World Board

Among the outcomes confirmed at the same round of elections was the appointment of Sahibzada Sultan Muhammad Ali, former President of the Equestrian Federation of Pakistan (EFP), to the ITPF/World Tent Pegging Federation Board of Directors for the 2026-2030 term. It is the first time a Pakistani official has held a seat on tent pegging's global governing board, which now represents 45 member federations.

The appointment gives Pakistan a formal voice in decisions that shape the sport worldwide — from competition rules to the international championship calendar — at a time when tent pegging is expanding well beyond its traditional strongholds in South Asia and the Gulf.

The Record Behind the Appointment

Sultan's election reflects a strong track record built during his four years leading the EFP. Under his presidency, Pakistan won 3 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals in international competition, and defeated India at the 2023 World Cup to finish as the tournament's second-best team. He organized Pakistan's first major international tent pegging event, hosted the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers, established the country's first women's tent pegging team, and introduced horseback archery as an additional discipline.

The selection is expected to not only elevate Pakistan's standing in the sport but also help shape how tent pegging grows on the world stage in the years ahead.

What Comes Next

The April 2 preparatory meeting also confirmed that the federation is reviewing bids for a full slate of new international championships through 2026-2027 — including junior, youth, beach, women's, military, university, friendship and club events — alongside preparations for the 5th Tent Pegging World Cup in Jordan. With a Pakistani voice now on the Board, EFP-affiliated riders and clubs will be watching closely as those plans take shape.