Local wrestler dies during Eid wrestling tournament in Cumilla

A wrestler has died after falling ill during a wrestling competition in Lalmai, Cumilla.

The incident occurred around 10:15 pm on Tuesday, March 24, at the field adjacent to Mohanpur Alim Madrasa in Bakai Uttar union of the upazila.

The deceased is Helal Uddin Majumdar, 53. He was the son of late Abul Kashem of Koyar village in Bakai South union, Laksham upazila. Locally known as 'Boli Helal', he ran a grocery shop in Koyar Bazar.

According to eyewitnesses and local sources, the wrestling tournament was organised by local youth and expatriates on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. During a match on the second day of the competition, Helal Uddin suddenly fell ill while grappling with his opponent and died on the field.

Multiple videos show the match beginning in the presence of a referee, with the opponent wrestler pinning him down and maintaining control for some time. At one point, Helal Uddin stopped moving, and the match was immediately halted.

Locals said several hundred spectators were present at the scene. Organisers rushed onto the field to take control of the situation.

Lalmai Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Nuruzzaman said police went to the scene after receiving the information. Preliminary indications suggest he died from illness. As the family of the deceased has not filed any complaint, the body has been handed over to relatives.