As part of the mission to promote a traditional sport, Commissioner Karachi donkey cart race was held from ICI Bridge, Sultanabad to the Commissioner’s Office in Karachi on Sunday.As many as 50 donkey carts participated in the completion.City Mayor MurtazaWahab, who was the chief guest on the occasion, gave away prizes to those who came first, second and third in the race.
Speaking on the occasion, Abdullah Khalid, whose donkey stood first, said he was extremely excited. “I thank the Almighty Allah for today’s win,” Abdullah added.He further said that he belonged to Lyari and had named his donkey ‘Bijli’. Informing about the diet given to the animal, he said he gave him milk and almonds to eat. Abdullah was given a cash prize of Rs25,000, while the owner of the donkey who finished as a runner-up in the race was given Rs20,000.Similarly, the owner of the donkey who came third was handed a cash prize of Rs15,000.
Talking to the media on the occasion, the mayor said that traditional sports were always a part of a nation’s culture.He said people had been playing the sport for a long time now. “Such kinds of events should be held so that the people could get an opportunity to entertain themselves,” he opined.On the other hand, while disagreeing with detractors that the arrangements made for the race were inadequate, Wahab said he was satisfied with the arrangements.
“It would be better if we look at a positive side rather than looking at a negative aspect of the event,” he said, adding, “We must encourage organizers of the race rather than finding faults with their efforts.”
He further said what could have been done to arrange the competition in a limited time period was done. “We will try to make sure that we come better prepared next time.”
