Famous for his equestrian hobbies, Malik Ata Muhammad Khan (also popularly known as Prince Malik Ata) belongs to a very affluent family and is a proud Ex-Aitchisonian (
https://www.aitchison.edu.pk/). The current Chief of Kot Fateh Khan in Attock District, Malik Ata was born on 25 October 1941. He won the 1982 World Championship for tent pegging and was widely known for the unique style he had which strongly reflected his roots and origin.
In 1983, BBC made a documentary (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aOl92iJkKA) featuring Malik Ata which was called ‘One Man and his Horse’. Malik Ata has spent his entire life promoting the art of tent pegging and his love for sports not only in Pakistan, but has made sure his country was represented around the globe.
In 1988, Malik Ata contested election on the Islami Jamhoori Ittihad’s (IJI) platform. Thereafter in 1990, Malik Ata Muhammad Khan again contested the election from his home constituency (PP-15) and was elected and served the Punjab provincial assembly from 5 November 1990 to 28 June 1993. After his father's death in 1996, he assumed the responsibilities of the family and management of the estate, hence why he was unable to continue his work in politics.
Malik Ata is one of the founders of the International Tent Pegging Federation, which is recognised by the FEI. He is the first elected President of the Equestrian & Tent Pegging Federation of Pakistan and is well known for his attempts to promote tent pegging and bull’s races. He is also the Vice-President of International Tent Pegging Federation.
Malik Ata has taken part in tent pegging and other equestrian championships in Europe, South Africa, Australia, the United States and India. In 1982, he participated in the Ninth Asian Games held in Delhi, winning the silver medal for Pakistan. Malik Ata with Pakistan team took part in 1982 Hyde Park games in London. He led Pakistan tent pegging team at the annual Royal Adelaide Show 2010 held in Adelaide, South Australia. He also led the Pakistan team in the Penta Grand World Equestrian Tent Pegging Championship in 2010, 2012 and 2013.
An international tent pegging competition was held in February 2013 at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. This was the first time more than two international teams visited Pakistan to participate in an international event, with the competitors being England, Pakistan, South Africa and a United Nations team. The teams were invited by Malik Ata who was the chief organiser.
Malik Ata recalls the events saying; when the horse is running 65 to 70 miles per hour and you have to pick a small, one-inch peg from the ground it is very spectacular, either with the sword or with the lance.
In his preliminary address at the 2013 World Equestrian Tent Pegging Championship held in Gurgaon, India, Malik Ata expressed the desire for a world organisation to address the FEI. The participants created the World Tent Pegging Federation, of which Malik Ata was elected honorary president. At the second World Tent Pegging Federation Meeting held in Oman on 27 October 2013, Malik Ata was elected a member of the Executive Committee to serve for four years.
Malik Ata was invited by the FEI to give a demonstration of tent pegging at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games held in Normandy, France. On the opening day he was honoured to lead all the countries of the world with the Pakistani flag held.
