The 117th edition of the Abdul Jabbarer Boli Khela concluded at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram on Saturday, with Baga Sharif from Homna upazila in Cumilla achieving a resounding victory and claiming his fourth championship title at the historic wrestling competition.

In a closely fought final bout lasting 24 minutes and 26 seconds, Baga Sharif defeated Mohammad Rashed Boli, also from Cumilla district, to lift the champion's trophy before a jubilant crowd of thousands. After his victory, Baga Sharif credited his trainer, Shahjalal Boli—himself a former champion of the 114th edition—for his success.

The day-long competition was inaugurated at 3:30 pm by Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali. Of the 120 registered participants, 108 wrestlers took part in the event. The competitors — locally referred to as Boli or Kustigir — hailed from various parts of the country, predominantly rural areas, with ages ranging from 10 to 70 years. Bouts were held in the open field from the afternoon, drawing crowds that filled the venue and spilled into the surrounding streets.

A three-member panel of judges, headed by former ward official Hefazur Rahman, presided over the matches. Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain attended as chief guest and presented the champion's trophy. Others present included Abu Sufian, MP, and Shawkat Anwar Badal, member secretary of the organising committee and grandson of Abdul Jabbar Sawdagar, after whom the competition is named.

Fair Draws Large Crowds, Closes a Day Early Ahead of SSC Exams

The wrestling contest formed the centrepiece of the three-day Abdul Jabbarer Boli Khela and Boishakhi Fair, held annually on April 25. This year's fair, however, concluded a day earlier than scheduled to minimise disruption for students sitting the upcoming SSC examinations.

Despite the shortened run, the fair drew significant footfall, with traders and visitors converging from across the region to transform Laldighi Maidan and its surroundings into a bustling festive hub. Stalls stretched from Kotwali More to Andarkilla and Cinema Palace, offering a broad range of goods—from flower brooms, hand fans, and clay items to kitchenware, saris, bangles, jewellery, plant seedlings, seasonal fruits, toys, and agricultural tools.

On the final day, the venue saw a sharp rise in visitors from the morning, many eager to purchase household essentials before the fair's close. Artisans were seen giving finishing touches to clay products as buyers actively bargained at stalls. Toy seller Jashim Uddin noted that children's items such as toy cars remained in high demand, while clay artisan Narayan Das reported steady interest in traditional wares, including pots, pitchers, and decorative pieces.

The Abdul Jabbarer Boli Khela, one of Bangladesh's oldest and most celebrated traditional sporting events, serves as both a cultural landmark and a platform for preserving the country's indigenous wrestling heritage. ‍

Source: BSS