Published: April 26, 2025, 04:34 PM
Bagha Sharif from Homna, Cumilla, successfully defended his title by winning the 116th edition of the historic Abdul Jabbar’s Boli Khela (traditional wrestling competition) held today at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram.
Sharif clinched victory after a 10.34-minute bout against fellow wrestler Mohammad Rashed Boli, securing the championship for the second year in a row.
Around 120 wrestlers, aged between 10 and 70, from across the country took part in this year’s competition.
The event was inaugurated at 4:30pm by Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hashib Aziz. Dr. Shahdat Hossain, Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation, attended as the chief guest and later awarded the trophy to the winners.
The matches were overseen by a three-member referee panel, led by former ward commissioner Hefazur Rahman.
Jabbar’s Boli Khela, traditionally held on April 25 every year, is closely associated with the Boishakhi Fair that unfolds around the historic Laldighi Maidan. Shawkat Anwar Badal, member secretary of the Boli Khela Organizing Committee and grandson of founder Abdul Jabbar Sawdagar, was also present at the event.
The century-old festival, featuring a three-day fair showcasing local handicrafts, earthenware, artifacts, and indigenous household items across a 1.5-kilometer stretch around Laldighi Maidan, will formally conclude tomorrow, although festivities are expected to continue until Sunday.
Abdul Jabbar Sawdagar, a renowned businessman and social worker, initiated the Boli Khela in 1909 to encourage physical fitness among the youth as part of the movement against British colonial rule.
