Jibon Boli emerged as the champion of the 113th edition of the popular and traditional wrestling competition of Chatttogram ‘Jabbar er Boli Khela’ on Monday.
Tariqul Islam Jibon Boli from Chakaria Upazila in Cox’s Bazar defeated earlier champion Shahjalal Boli from Cumilla and snatched the crown of the champion. Jibon was also the champion of the competition’s 109th edition, reports UNB.
The competition was held in a temporary sand ground at Laldighi Zilla Parishad Market premises on Monday.
Jibon struggled to floor Shajalal Boli several times throughout the championship bout but failed later he was announced champion by the referee based on earned points.
Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner Saleh Mohammad Tanvir awarded trophies and prize money to the champion and runner-up attending the competition as chief guest while Chatogram City Corporation Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury.
This year 72 wrestlers from different parts of the country participated in the competition from the first round.
As the competition along with a three-day-long Baishakhi fair has been organised after two years of hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, thousands of people gathered at Laldighi Zilla Parishad Market premises to attend it.
Vehicle movement has been restricted since Sunday in Laldighi, KC De Road, Boksirhat, Cinema Palace, Amanat Shah Road, Khatunganj-Asadganj Road and other areas for the competition and fair.
'Boli Khela’ was introduced in the early 20th century by Abdul Jabbar Saodagar, a local trader. He wanted to cultivate a sport that would prepare youths to fight the British.
The traditional form of wrestling was named after Jabbar. The first competition was held in 1909.