Wrestling Dispute at Medan Karaba Sparks Calls for Transparency and Reform

By Peter Deng Akuei

A celebration of local culture at Medan Karaba in Bor was marred by controversy after the Bor County Wrestling Association (BCWA) overturned the result of a disputed match, raising concerns about transparency and governance within community sports.

The event featured a friendly wrestling competition between the Alian and Deer communities. The main match between Athieei Dook (Alian) and Deng Alier (Deer) ended in a draw, a decision welcomed by both sides and their supporters.

However, tensions flared during the secondary bout between Teeng Dook (Alian) and Akol Agook Magot (Deer). Initially, referee Wan Majok awarded victory to Teeng Dook, prompting immediate protests from the Deer camp.

The controversy intensified due to the absence of video footage of the match. Organizers and spectators reportedly blocked media personnel and streamers from recording, leaving no visual documentation for review. This lack of evidence prompted Deer community leaders to lodge an official complaint, citing procedural irregularities and interference from the crowd.

Following a review, the BCWA board decided to overturn the original result, declaring the match a draw to maintain fairness and community cohesion. The association cited the absence of recorded evidence and the lack of media access as primary reasons for the decision.

Referee Wan Majok has been suspended pending further investigation, raising questions about officiating standards and transparency within local wrestling governance.

This incident has highlighted systemic issues, including:

– The absence of mandatory match recording protocols 

– Lack of accountability mechanisms for referees 

– No formal review or disciplinary panel 

Experts warn that such gaps threaten the integrity not only of the sport but also of community trust and tradition. The controversy underscores the need for structural reforms to uphold fairness and transparency.

To prevent similar disputes, the BCWA is urged to

1. Implement mandatory video recording of all matches 

2. Establish an independent Disciplinary and Review Committee 

3. Provide referee training and certification programs 

4. Secure media rights and streaming protocols for transparency 

5. Protect referees from crowd intimidation and ensure accountability 

While the decision to declare the match, a draw may have diffused immediate tensions, it also exposes the fragility of the current system. For Bor’s rich wrestling heritage to thrive, there must be clear rules, transparent processes, and a commitment to fairness rooted in verifiable evidence. Without these reforms, the spirit of unity and tradition risks being overshadowed by doubt and dispute.