Cumilla’s Baga Sharif has emerged as the champion of the 116th edition of the historic Jabbar’s Boli Khela, held at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram. The traditional wrestling competition began at 4 PM on Friday (April 25) and continued until 6 PM.
In the final round, Baga Sharif defeated fellow wrestler Rashed Boli, also from Cumilla, to claim the championship title.
Over 150 wrestlers from various districts across Bangladesh participated in this year’s tournament. After two and a quarter hours of intense bouts, the organizing committee announced the champion in the evening.
The event was inaugurated by Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Hasib Aziz. Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain attended as the chief guest and presented the trophy and cash prize to the winner.
Shawkat Anwar Badol, member secretary of the organizing committee and grandson of the sport’s founder Abdul Jabbar Sowdagar, also spoke at the event.
Notably, Jabbar’s Boli Khela has been held annually at Laldighi Maidan since 1909. It was introduced by Abdul Jabbar Sowdagar, a prominent figure in the anti-British movement, and remains a symbol of Chattogram’s cultural heritage.