The Rowangchhari upazila unit Bashundhara Shuvosangho has participated in the central Bisu festival and National Ghilakhela Gold Cup Tournament organised by the Bangladesh Tanchangya Welfare Association in Bandarban.
On Sunday, the traditional hill sport, Ghilakhela, was held at the Rowangchhari Bekhyong School ground. The event drew spectators, sports enthusiasts, and local residents from across the upazila.
Dressed in colourful attire, the players of Bashundhara Shuvosangho received applause and cheers from the audience as soon as they entered the field. Participants in the competitive tournament impressed spectators with their skill, discipline, and team coordination.
Once a major attraction at harvest festivals and social events in the hill tracts, Ghilakhela gradually lost popularity with the rise of modern sports.
While the result was not the main focus, organisers said the main goal of the event was to revive the traditional game among Tanchangya youth and strengthen inter-upazila harmony.
A symbol of heritage and culture, the game is an integral part of the history and identity of the Tanchangya community in Bandarban.
Played on hill slopes or open fields, the sport is a blend of football and hockey. It uses a round “ghila” made of bamboo, and players strike it with sticks called “khati” to send it into the opponent’s goalpost. Speed, strategy, and teamwork are the key features of the game.
Representatives of the Rowangchhari unit Shuvosangho said their participation goes beyond sports—it reflects a commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
Uay Sing Marma, Shuvosangho’s regional coordinator for the hill tracts, said, “To understand our roots, we must preserve our traditions. Ghilakhela reflects the glorious heritage of our ancestors. With the involvement of the youth and support from organisations like Bashundhara Shuvosangho, this sport can regain its lost prominence.”
The president of the organising committee said, “Our goal is not just to host a tournament, but to introduce the game at the national level. We want the new generation to stay connected to their cultural roots.”
Among others present were Rowangchhari unit Shuvosangho Vice-President Dipa Tanchangya, Organising Secretary Monilal Tanchangya, Finance Secretary Ongdhapru Marma, Publicity and Publication Secretary Shubra Tanchangya, Social Welfare Secretary Wangthowai Marma, Information and Communication Secretary Ontor Tanchangya, and members Chitra Tanchangya, Bashika Tanchangya, Nikarani Tanchangya, and Thuichingpru Marma.
bd-pratidin/GR
