Media: The Independent

Original URL:  Jibon boli wins title

E-paper URL: Jibon boli wins title

Tarekual Islam Jibon, a boli (wrestler) from Chokoria upazila of Cox’s bazar, clinched the title at the 109th Jabber-er Bolikhela at Laldigi ground of Chittagong yesterday (Wednesday).

Jibon, a first-time winner of the title, defeated Md Shah Jalal from Comilla district to win the historical tournament.

After a closely contested fight of 14 minutes, the referee, Abdul Malek, declared Jibon as the champion of the Boli Khela around 5:55pm based on performance.

“I participated in the competition many times. But this is the first time that I clinched the title. I prayed to Allah for my success. And finally, I’m the winner of tournament!” said Jibon.

In 2017, Didar Boli of Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar district had won the famed title. He clinched the tile 14 times at the historic Laldighi ground. Didar did not attend this year as he declared that he would not play the game anymore.

The competition started at 3:30pm, with a total of 86 bolis, aged between 15 and 70 years, taing part in the bolikhela. They came from different parts of the country including Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, and Comilla, mainly from rural areas.

The contest was part of the three-day Baishakhi Mela, which began on Tuesday and will end today (Thursday). It usually begins on the 12th of the Bangla month of Boishakh.  The fair is held over a two-km area with stalls selling local handicrafts and household items. The main attraction, however, is bolikhela.

Chittagong Metropolitan Police acting commissioner Masoodul Hasan inaugurated the tournament. Chittagong city mayor AJM Nasir Uddin was present at the event.

Banglalink Digital Communication Limited regional director Sumen Mitra and Mela Committee chairman Jahourlal Hazari were also present.

The committee gave Tk. 25,000 to the champion, Tk. 15,000 to the runner-up, and Tk. 1,000 to each participant.

The competition started in 1909 at the initiative of Abdul Jabber Sawdagar, a renowned social worker and businessman of the time, in the city’s Badarpati area.

The aim was to inspire the younger generation to join the fight against the British rulers.