(BSS) - Baga Sharif of Homna upazila in Cumilla secured his fourth championship title at the 117th edition of the traditional Abdul Jabbarer Boli Khela, held at Laldighi Maidan in the port city today.
In a closely contested final bout lasting 24 minutes and 26 seconds, Baga Sharif defeated Mohammad Rashed Boli, also from Cumilla district, to lift the champion`s trophy amid loud cheers from thousands of spectators.
The day-long wrestling competition was inaugurated at 3:30 pm by Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali.
A total of 108 wrestlers out of 120 registered participants took part in the event. The competitors, locally known as Boli or Kustigir, came from different parts of the country, mostly from rural areas, with ages ranging from 10 to 70 years.
The matches were held in the open field of Laldighi Maidan from the afternoon, drawing a large crowd that filled the venue and surrounding streets. The wrestling contest formed the main attraction of the three-day Abdul Jabbarer Boli Khela and Boishakhi Fair, traditionally organized on April 25 each year.
A three-member panel of judges, headed by former ward official Hefazur Rahman conducted the competition.
Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahdat Hossain attended the event as the chief guest and handed over the champion`s trophy.
Among others present were Abu Sufian, MP, and Shawkat Anwar Badal, member secretary of the organizing committee and grandson of Abdul Jabbar Sawdagar.
After his victory, Baga Sharif expressed gratitude to his trainer Shahjalal Boli, a former champion of the 114th edition of the competition.
The centuries-old event also features a three-day fair showcasing locally made handicrafts, earthenware, and traditional household items in the Laldighi Maidan area. Although the official programme concludes on Saturday, the fair is expected to continue until Sunday.
The Abdul Jabbarer Boli Khela was initiated in 1909 by Abdul Jabbar Sawdagar, a noted social worker and businessman from the Badarpati area of Chattogram during the British colonial period, with the aim of encouraging physical strength and resilience among the youth.
