<i>Tumbler's bid for Guinness</i>

Abdul Halim is on his way to creating a world record for balancing a football on his head over the longest distance walked at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.Photo: STAR

Abdul Halim's dream of etching his name in the Guinness Book of World Records is about to come true after the tumbler from Magura set a new world record by walking 15.2 kilometres with a ball on his head inside the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Saturday.
Halim's venture, under the category of Physical Performance of Football, started at 9:30pm yesterday at the athletic track of BNS and broke the previous record of 11.12 kilometres held by Malaysia's Eminglow on the 29th lap and in two hours and five minutes.
However, the man from Magura, who has a long history of showcasing his talent of balancing the ball on his head, kept persevering and went on to keep the ball on his head for nine more laps and forty minutes as he crossed 15.2 kilometres in 38 laps.
Halim was delighted after achieving his feat and was hoping his name will soon appear in the Guinness Book of World Records.
“I am happy to have the record for my country. This will make my country proud in the international arena. We now await the official recognition from the Guinness authorities which remains but a matter of formality now,” said Halim in an emotion-choked voice.
A panel of judges, comprising journalists, public representatives, an eligible doctor and an established lawyer, as well as enthusiastic onlookers were present to witness and cheer on Halim during his venture.
Halim's performance met all the requirements for the record for enlistment in Guinness and the organising committee has already sent the recorded tape to the authority and were waiting for response from the Guinness.
If Halim's feat is recognised by Guinness, he will become only the second Bangladeshi athlete to make it to the book of records after Zobera Rahman Linu, the famous table tennis player who was recognised in 2002 for her 16 national titles.
RB Group, the sponsor organisation of the event however instantaneously rewarded Halim Tk 1 lakh for his successful attempt.