Bull racing, Pakistan style - in pictures

In a sun-scorched field of rural Punjab, hundreds of spectators cheer as racing bulls whip up a storm of dust

A jockey controls a pair of bull during a traditional bull race competition, in Malal, a village of Attock district, in Pakistan, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo / Anjum Naveed)

The traditional sport captures the raw energy of village life in Malal, one of bull racing's most vibrant hubs in the Attock district

Bulls are yoked together by wooden frames and behind them, holding ropes and his honour, is a man on a plank

There's always a chance for chaos as some jockeys, like this one, lose control

Bull racing has deep roots in the Attock district of eastern Punjab province

Hundreds of people gather every year to witness the spectacle

It is more than just a sport, it is a part of the region's living heritage

The hustle and bustle becomes a source of income for enterprising locals, like this vendor who is preparing traditional sweets, called jalebi

These hawkers have colourful ribbons and other items available for customers to decorate their bulls

A member of judges panel announces the winner. More than 100 bulls competed in this event

It is a festive atmosphere and the winning team throw bank notes in the air to celebrate

And continue their celebrations with a victory dance

Bulls are fastened together by thick wooden frames in a sun-scorched field of rural Pakistan, while behind them, holding on to nothing more than ropes and his honour, is a man on a plank.

Hundreds of spectators cheer as the animals begin to hurtle down a track, whipping up a storm of dust and imminent danger. This is bull racing, Punjabi style.

The sport captures the raw energy of village life and is a world away from the cricket and hockey stadiums found in cities.

Bull racing has deep roots in Attock, eastern Punjab province, and is part of the region's living heritage.

“This isn't just entertainment, it's tradition,” Sardar Haseeb, whose family has been holding races for generations, told AP. “We take pride in our animals. Farmers and landowners raise their bulls year round just for this moment. People are willing to pay high prices for a winning bull. It becomes a symbol of pride.”