Alam Boli from Teknaf under Cox's Bazar retained the title in the traditional wrestling competition, popularly known as Jabbarer Boli Khela, in its 102nd year held at the Laldighi Maidan in the port city yesterday. The century-old competition is one of the oldest events in the country.
Alam Boli from Teknaf under Cox's Bazar retained the title in the
traditional wrestling competition, popularly known as Jabbarer Boli
Khela, in its 102nd year held at the Laldighi Maidan in the port city
yesterday. The century-old competition is one of the oldest events in
the country.
Alam also emerged champion in the 101st edition in
2010. He was also the joint-champion in the hundredth meet the
preceding year.
To encourage the youths to join the anti-British movement Jabbar Sawdagor arranged the competition at this ground in 1909.
Alam
defeated Jasim Boli from Comilla in the final. Jasim took part in the
competition for the first time and it was a performance to remember for
him.
After the competition Jasim however said that he expected to win the championship.
"I will try to win the title next year," hoped Jasim.
Abdul Jabbarer Boli Khela and Boishakhi Mela Udjapan Parishad has been organising the event since its inception.
Thousands
of wrestling-loving people started thronging the historic Laldighi
Maidan from 2pm to enjoy the fight, but all could not enjoy the duels
as the ring was not visible from all corners.
A total of 76 bolis
(wrestlers) from different parts of the country took part in the
competition with their followers coming here to support them.
Chittagong
City Corporation Mayor Mohammad Manjur Alam inaugurated the programme
as the chief guest while Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner
Abul Kasem and Ward Commissioners Jahor Lal Hazari and Hasan Mahhmud
Hasni were present as special guests.
The competition started with the beating of traditional 'Dabor' (one kind of folk drum) and blowing of 'Sanai' (a folk flute).
The
competition was split into two segments. First a general session was
held where 68 bolis participated and out of them 34 won the prizes.
In the main bout, a total of eight bolis, who are known as champion bolis, took part.
Mayor Manjur Alam handed over the champion and runner-up's trophies.
Mobile phone company Banglalink sponsored the event and satellite television Channel i telecast the programme.
