Jonglei’s Bor wrestling ends in 3-2 victory for Angakuei section

By Philip Thon Aleu

August 23, 2009 (BOR TOWN) – A wrestling match between sets of Baidit youths of Bor County nearly ended in a draw thanks to the fourth fighter from Angakuei who defeated his opponent from Biong.

The Saturday wrestling at Ngatinga saw the largest section Angakuei win by 3 to 2. The first warriors were Matuor from Angakuei and Ngor from Biong, whose match ended in a draw. Majok Jok, who maintains his unbeaten record in highly contested wrestling, was also challenged by uprising fighter Panther Khor, who wrestled him to a draw. The third wrestlers drew too.

Bior Alier won over Ngor Chol to maintain lead in Bor County’s largest Payam. After the fifth men drew, the sixth match resulted in controversy. Analysts say Biong’s man won. Angakuei’s side took victory when their seventh man defeated Biong’s Gai. Bior Keth came off the ‘bench’ to bring celebration to his side by reducing Angakuei’s Majok Abuol.

The eighth and ninth matches drew. The last fight in the tenth position brought happiness to Angakuei.

On such occasions, youths display their best oxen and girls dress in the best traditional attire while smearing their faces with red mud known as ‘wan.’

As life struggles to normalize in this state, with youths engaged in entertainment activities, stability is being challenged by continuous cattle rustling and child abduction. However, conflicts between tribal members are at a minimum, giving high chances for sports.

However, Bor is a society caught on the horns of a cultural dilemma. The people need to decide whether to send all their children to schools or leave them in cattle camps to maintain the wrestling tradition, which is seen as part of their cultural identity. The search for economically productive activities is likely to see wrestling commercialized for wrestlers’ benefit, or abolished completely.

(ST)