CHATTOGRAM, Apr 25: Bagha Sharif Boli, hailing from Homna of Cumilla, became the second time champion in the historic Jabber's Boli Khela (Wrestling Competition) held at Laldighi Maidan on Friday.
Baga Sharif secured the trophy in a 10.34-minute fight beating Mohammad Rashed Boli.
Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hashib Aziz declared the 116th edition of the Boli Khela open at 4:30pm.
A total of 120 wrestlers from different parts of the country participated in the 116th edition of traditional 'Jabbarer Boli Khela'.
The competition kicked off at the historic Laldighi ground in the port city in the afternoon amid the countrywide scorching heat.
Like every year, interested competitors submitted their names to the organising committee to participate in this year's Boli Khela.
For the competition, the stage of 'Boli-Khela' was built on 165 poles at Laldighi ground. The crowd started to gather at the venue from Thursday noon.
Besides, thousands of people arrived there from Friday morning to experience the fascinating competition and the three-day-long Baisakhi Mela began on April 24.
Earlier, the organisers decorated the entire area of Laldighi Par from the city's Anderkilla intersection for the traditional competition. Traders from different parts of the country also thronged the venue with a variety of products along with local businessmen.
On the occasion of competition and the fair, various types of makeshift shops and stalls were erected over vast areas, surrounding the Laldighi Maidan. The locally-made beautiful handicrafts and indigenous household goods are on display for sale on an area of about one kilometer alongside Laldighi Maidan.
The historic wrestling competition is held every year with much enthusiasm, which is joined by thousands of people from different parts of the country.
Bagha Sharif Boli was the winner of the 115th edition of the competition held last year. In 2023, Shahjalal Boli of Cumilla became champion defeating the Jibon Boli of Chokoria. Shahjalal Boli was defeated by Jibon Boli in 2022 competition.
Jabbar Wrestling Competition was introduced in 1909 by Abdul Jabbar Saodagar. His desire was to cultivate a sport that would prepare the youth to fight against the British rule which is a self-defense without weapons.
