MAKKAH: An advert published in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nadwa newspaper in May 1974 promoted a first of its kind: A wrestling match in Makkah.
Published only once, the recently unearthed ad showed three wrestlers, including Khalil Rahman, a Saudi.
The quarter-page advertisement had the headline “Free Wrestling.”
It added: “For the first time in history of Makkah … a show of enormous physical strength.”
The 80-minute event was held under the auspices of Youth Care Department in the Western region.
The competition consisted of eight five-minute rounds, according to the ad.
