RANGPUR, Jan 6, 2025 (BSS) - A traditional horse race competition enthralled ten of hundreds of rural people near Brahmonikunda Bazar in Pirgachha upazila here.

The Brahmonikunda Bazar Youth Development Samity on Sunday afternoon organised the colorful competition on a vast ground where fervent rural men, women, housewives, adolescents, youths, students, children and farmers from surrounding villages gathered to enjoy the race.
 
A total of 15 horse riders from different areas, including Rangpur, Dinajpur, Naogaon and Kurigram districts, participated in the competition.

President of the Pirgachha Bazar Shop Owners' Association and convener of Pirgachha Upazila BNP Alhaj Aminul Islam Ranga witnessed the horse race and distributed prizes among the winners of the horse race.

Presided over by the horse racing competition organizing committee President Abdur Rahim Sarkar, Pirgachha Upazila BNP Member-secretary Khandaker Matiar Rahman, Anandanagar Union BNP convener Zillur Rahman, its Member-secretary Abdur Rashid Master, among others, were present there.

Spectator Amjad Hossain who came to enjoy the horse racing from Pirgachha upazila said, "Horse racing competition is being organized here every year. Many people come every year to enjoy the competition. It is nice to see the traditional horse racing sport."

Female spectator Aklima Khatun said rural sports are very effective means of healthy entertainment.

She also called upon all concerned for arranging frequent competitions of traditional sports in rural areas to save those from complete disappearance.
 
Another spectator Rafiul Islam of Rangpur city stressed on reviving traditional sports like horse race, 'Ha-Du-Du', 'Kanamachi Bhon Bhon', 'Climbing up to Oily Banana Tree', 'Cock Fight', 'Bau-Chee', 'Daria Bandha' and 'Gollachut' to entertain rural people.
 
Finally, Sujan Mian of Bhurungamari upazila in Kurigram district won first place in the game.
 
Talking to local reporters, Sujan Mian said his father and grandfather were also horse riders.
 
"I learned horse racing from my father and grandfather. I go to different parts of the country and participate in horse racing competitions. It has become my addiction. I enjoy horse racing like my forefathers," he said.
 
The horse racing competition organizing committee President Abdur Rahim Sarkar said that horse racing competitions are being organized every year in the locality to entertain people and save our traditional culture, sports and heritage.
 
"The horse racing competition has been organized in the same way here this year too. Competitors of different ages participate in it. However, the highest attendance was from women, men and children this year," he added.