Shahjalal Boli emerged as the champion of the 114th edition of the popular and traditional wrestling competition of Chittagong “Jabbar er Boli Khela” on Tuesday.
Shahjalal Boli from Comilla defeated defending champion Tariqul Islam Jibon Boli from Chakaria upazila of Comilla within 1 minute of the fight and snatched the crown of champion.
Shahjalal and Jibon Bali came face to face in the final of the 114th edition of Boli Khela held on Tuesday afternoon.
Shahjalal Boli, a fruit seller in Comilla, was defeated against Jibon Boli at last year's edition. He was previously crowned as champion in 2018 and 2019.
Meanwhile, the defeated Jibon Boli said that he surrendered in the finals due to illness.
He said: “My physical condition is unwell. I have problems with my waist and legs. My terrible pain increased as I pressed Sreejan Chakma in the semi-final. That's why I made a few compromises this time.”
However, winner Shahjalal said: “Jibon told me that he was sick. But then I told him that if you're sick, I have nothing to do. The winner of the competition becomes the champion. He combated and then he declared he couldn't compete.”
Rubaiyah Hoque Mreettika (freelancer)Earlier, last year's champion Tariqul Islam Jibon and Khagrachhari's Srijan Chakma faced each other in the first semi-final. Srijan Boli lost to Jibon Boli in a battle of about 11 minutes and 36 seconds. Srijan Chakma secured the third spot.
On the other hand, in the second semi-final, Anwara's Abdun Nur faced last year's runner-up Shahjalal Boli. The fight between the two lasted only 1 minute and 26 seconds. Abdun Nur Boli was defeated by Shahjalal Boli.
Councillor Jaharlal Hazari, president of the Abdul Jabbar Memorial Wrestling Competition and the Boisakhi Mela Committee, said that 100 people had registered to compete in the competition this season. After screening, 40 people were ruled out.
Earlier in the afternoon, Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Krishna Pad Roy inaugurated the Boli Khela.
Chittagong City Corporation Mayor M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury organized the 114th edition of “Jabbar-er Boli Khela" at the historic Laldighi ground in the city at 4:45pm. Sixty bolis participated this year.
Rubaiyah Hoque Mreettika (freelancer)Boli Khela was introduced in the early 20th century by Abdul Jabbar Saodagar, a local trader. He wanted to prepare the youths to fight the British through the sport.
The traditional form of wrestling was named after Jabbar. The first competition was held in 1909.