Rangpur: A traditional horse race competition captivated thousands of rural residents near Brahmonikunda Bazar in Pirgachha upazila. Organized by the Brahmonikunda Bazar Youth Development Samity, the event took place on a vast field, drawing enthusiastic men, women, housewives, adolescents, youths, students, children, and farmers from surrounding villages.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, 15 horse riders from various districts, including Rangpur, Dinajpur, Naogaon, and Kurigram, participated in the competition. Alhaj Aminul Islam Ranga, President of the Pirgachha Bazar Shop Owners' Association and convener of Pirgachha Upazila BNP, attended the event and distributed prizes to the winners.
The event was presided over by the organizing committee President Abdur Rahim Sarkar. Several notable figures, including Pirgachha Upazila BNP Member-secretary Khandaker Matiar Rahman, Anandanagar Union BNP convener Zillur Rahman, and its Member-secretary Abdur Rashid Master, were also present.
Spectators expressed their enthusiasm for the event. Amjad Hossain, a local from Pirgachha upazila, shared that the horse racing competition is an annual event attracting many visitors. Aklima Khatun, another spectator, emphasized the role of rural sports in providing healthy entertainment and urged for more frequent traditional sports competitions in rural areas.
Rafiul Islam from Rangpur city highlighted the need to revive traditional sports such as horse racing, 'Ha-Du-Du', and others to entertain rural communities. Sujan Mian of Bhurungamari upazila in Kurigram district emerged as the winner of the competition. Speaking to local reporters, Sujan Mian shared that horse racing is a family tradition passed down from his father and grandfather.
Abdur Rahim Sarkar, the organizing committee President, reiterated the importance of organizing such events to preserve traditional culture and sports. He noted that this year's competition saw the highest attendance from women, men, and children.