Didarul Alam alias Didar Boli clinched the title of the 108th edition of Chittagong’s traditional wrestling competition, popularly known as ‘Jabbar-Er Boli Khela’, at its permanent venue, the Laldighi Maidan in the city on Tuesday.
Didar Boli of Ramu upazila in Cox’s Bazar emerged victorious in the competition after defeating last year’s champion Shamshul Alam alias Shamshu Boli of Ukiya upazila in Cox’s Bazar.
It took Didar 17 minutes to prevail against Shamshu in the final.
While as many as 102 registered to take part in this year’s competition, a total of 78 wrestlers across different age groups from Brahmanbaria, Noakhali, Comilla, Feni, Bandarban, Khagrachari and Rangamati participated.
The titanic battle between Didar Boli and Shamsu Boli in the final lasted 17 minutes
Rabin Chowdhury/Dhaka TribuneFormer city corporation ward councilor MA Malek acted as the referee for the wrestling competition.
Following his victory, Didar Boli said: “I am over the moon as I have clinched the title again.”
Didar Boli, however, announced that he would not participate in the wrestling competition anymore.
Chittagong City Corporation Mayor AJM Nasir Uddin, attending the competition as chief guest, awarded the trophies and prize money to the champion and runner-up.
Abdul Jabbar Smriti Kusti Praitijogita and Baishakhi Mela Committee organise the century-old wrestling competition and a three-day fair every year on 12th day of Boishakh. The historic wrestling competition and Bengali New Year fair are held every year in the port city with much enthusiasm and cultural zeal.
‘Boli’ is the colloquial term for wrestlers and ‘Khela’ refers to sports, in this case wrestling. The competition has no age limit and its diversity helps draw a huge crowd each year.
Abdul Jabbar, a rich merchant from Chittagong, started the competition in 1909 to encourage youths to take part in the anti-British movement. The competition gained popularity over the years, particularly among locals.
Understandably exhausted following his victory, Didar Boli announced his retirement from ‘Jabbar-Er Boli Khela’
Rabin Chowdhury/Dhaka TribuneShawkat Anwar Badal, general secretary of the wrestling committee, said that the century-old competition started by his grandfather Jabbar has become a part of the heritage of Chittagong.
“Every year, millions of people throng the Laldighi Maidan to enjoy the wrestling competition,” he said.
Meanwhile, the three-day Boishakhi Mela began from Monday.
Traders from different parts of the country have already come to the venue. Apart from sweets, other products that attract attention include locally made handicrafts and indigenous goods.