Mandya, Karnataka — In a remarkable feat, a young homing pigeon from Mandya has set a record by flying 1,790 kilometers from Delhi to Mandya, returning to its owner after participating in a long-distance pigeon race.
Pigeon racing is a passionate hobby for many, with enthusiasts spending lakhs — even crores — on high-performance birds. In one such race organized by the Karnataka Homing Pigeon Federation, a one-year-old pigeon named Abhimanyu, owned by Sridhar of VC Farm in Mandya, stunned everyone with its endurance and determination.
Abhimanyu took off from Delhi on April 5 and reached Mandya on May 28, completing the journey in 52 days. The race featured 22 pigeons from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, all fitted with identification rings before the flight.
Out of the 22 pigeons, 14 successfully returned home, but Abhimanyu stood out as the youngest pigeon to complete the race, earning accolades for its incredible achievement in its very first competition.
This inspiring story highlights not only the dedication of pigeon racers but also the extraordinary capabilities of these birds, especially when trained and cared for with love.