Traditional horse race in Bangladesh

To encourage a tradition that is on the verge of extinction, a horse race was held at the Kokil village under Sadar Upazila in Mymensingh last Friday.


Two separate races -- based on speed -- were held on the occasion. Over 70 horses and jockeys took part in the races that lasted for around three hours, according to organisers.


Shamsher Uddin, Mohammad Zinnat, Alam Talukder and Mohammad Ali were the winners of the races.


Before the races began, a discussion was held with Mohammad Suruzzaman, Chairman of Kustia Union Parishad, in the chair. Officer-in-Charge of Kotwali Police Station Nazrul Islam was the chief guest.


The speakers expressed that once horse race, bullfight, cockfight, 'lathi khela' were very popular in the rural areas but due to the onslaught of globalisation and 'satellite TV' culture, these traditions are losing ground. It is our responsibility to revive our traditions, speakers agreed.
The event drew thousands. The chief guests gave away prizes among the winners later.