Shahjalal Boli of Comilla clinched the title at the 110th edition of Chittagong's traditional wrestling competition, popularly known as “Jabbar-Er Boli Khela,” at its permanent venue at Laldighi Maidan in Chittagong on Thursday.
Shahjalal Boli defeated Jibon Boli of Cox's Bazar in a closely contested final.
Earlier, Jibon Boli and Shahjalal Boli were the champion and runner-up at the 109th edition of the traditional wrestling competition.
This time, a total 16 wrestlers took part in competition. Among them, Shahabuddin Boli, Shahjalal Boli, Jibon Boli, and Hossain Boli advanced to the semi-finals.
Former city corporation ward councilor MA Malek was the referee at the wrestling competition.
Immediately after his victory, Shahjalal Boli said: “I am over the moon as I have clinched the title. I would like to thank the organizers of the sporting event, as they have kept the century-old tradition alive.”
Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mahabubur Rahman distributed trophies and prize money to the champion and runner-up.
The historic wrestling competition is held in the port city every year, and the 110th edition attracted a huge number of enthusiastic spectators.
Abdul Jabbar Smriti Kusti Praitijogita and Baishakhi Mela Committee organize the century-old wrestling competition and a three-day fair every year on 12th day of Boishakh, the first month of the Bangla calendar.
“Boli” is a colloquial term for wrestlers and “Khela” refers to sports, in this case wrestling. The competition has no age limit, and the diverse participants ensure that it always draws a large crowd of spectators.
Abdul Jabbar, a wealthy merchant from Chittagong, started the competition in 1909, in order to encourage youths to take part in the anti-British movement. The competition has gained significant popularity over the years, particularly among locals in Chittagong.
