A traditional form of Sindhi wrestling popularly known as “Malakhra” was organised on Sunday in Bagi village near Mohenjo-daro, an archaeological site in Sindh province.
Reportedly, the wrestling event was organised by an influential person Haji Abdul Hameed Bhayo in which Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) leader Adil Altaf Hussain Unar participated as the chief guest.
About 20 famous wrestlers including Majeed Awan, Ghulam Sarwar Behan, Mour Awan, Majid Dakhan, Ali Asghar Shah, Kuraro Abro, Zamir Solangi, Niaz Brohi, Wazir Behan and Waheed Mugheri took part in fighting matches.
In his talk to the media, Hameed Bhayo said that he has been residing in Saudi Arabia, however, he would organise the traditional Malakhro event on annual basis in Sindh for promoting the wrestling ‘as a part of Sindhi culture’.
Meanwhile, he appealed to the provincial government of Sindh for taking effective measures for fostering traditions and cultural values of Sindh, and assist in organising such events in every nook and corner of Pakistan.
In this regard, GDA leader Altaf Unar urged the provincial government to patronise traditional games and sports including Kodi Kodi, Malakhra , Wanjh Wati, Kabadi, Bull Racing, and said that all essential facilities should be made available to the organizers and sportsmen.
He also distributed Rs 5,000, Rs 3,000 and Rs 2,000 as cash prizes amongst the first-, second- and third-place winners, respectively.
Besides, hundreds of people from Dokri, Badah, Areeja, Bakrani, Mohenjo Daro, Balhreji villages and their adjoining region were amused by the event, and gave rounds of applause to the wrestlers for their magnificent performances in the matches.
Malakhro wrestling, which dates back to about 5000 years, is generally held on holidays or Fridays and has been a prominent feature of nearly all fairs and festivals, particularly Urs celebrations in Sufi shrines of Sindh. The match begins with both wrestlers tying a twisted cloth around the opponent’s waist. Thereby, each one holds onto the opponent’s waist cloth and tries to throw him to the ground for claiming victory.
Published in Daily Times, August 27th 2018.
