Bagha Sharif from Comilla emerged as the champion in the 115th edition of Chittagong's traditional Jabbarer Boli Khela.
Referees declared him the winner at 5:30pm on Thursday after Rashed conceded defeat just 11 minutes into the wrestling match.
The final wrestling match between the two contenders began in the afternoon, ultimately leading to Bagha Sharif's victory from the Homna area of Comilla.
Srijan Chakma, 37, from Khagrachari, secured third place once again.
Residing in Khabangparia village of Khagrachhari district, Srijan has consistently participated in Jabbarer Boli Khela for the last three events, maintaining his position as the champion of various Boli Khela tournaments held in Khagrachhari-Rangamati district.
In a surprising turn, Comilla's Shahjalal Boli opted out of the competition, allowing his two disciples a chance to participate. Despite expectations, the four-time champion, Shahjalal Boli, did not compete this year.
Md Rashed and Bagha Sharif, both from Comilla, received their wrestling training from the four-time champion, Shahjalal Boli, of Jabbarer Boli Khela.
The event commenced at the Laldighi ground in Chittagong city around 4:30pm, attracting wrestlers from various parts of the country.
Earlier, the inauguration of the 115th edition of Boli Khela took place at 4pm, marked by the guests’ blowing balloons.
The chief guest of the program was ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railway Ministry and Member of Parliament from Raozan.
AJM Nasir Uddin, the general secretary of the Chittagong District Sports Association, inaugurated the Jabbarer Boli Khela.
Boli Khela was initiated in 1909 by Abdul Jabbar Saudagar, a businessman from Bakshi Hat, Chittagong, aiming to engage the youth in the anti-British movement. Since then, until 2019, Jabbar er Boli Khela has been held annually on the 12th of Baisakh at Laldighi Maidan in Chittagong city.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Boli Khela could not be organized in 2020-2021. However, starting from 2022, Jabbarer Boli Khela has resumed its regular schedule. This year marks the 115th edition of Jabbarer Boli Khela.
