Jibon Boli emerged as the champion of the 113th edition of popular and traditional wrestling competition of Chatttogram ‘Jabbar er Boli Khela’ on Monday. Tariqul Islam Jibon Boli fom Chakaria upazila in Cox’s Bazar defeated earlier champion Shahjalal Boli from Cumilla and snatched the crown of champion. Jibon was also the champion of the competition’s 109 th edition. 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 on the basis of earned points.  

Chattogram City Corporation have decided to hold the 111th edition of popular wrestling competition ‘Jabbar er Boli Khela’ from April 24 to 26 this year on the Kotwali to Andarkilla road in the port city. CCC Mayor Rezaul Karim Chwodhury made the announcement in a press briefing on Saturday after a meeting with the committee members for arranging the Jabbar er Boli Khela wrestling competition and fair at his residence. Earlier on April 13, the committee announced suspension of this year’s Jabbarer Boli Khela as the traditional site for arranging the competition, Laldighi ground, was being renovated. Also read: ‘Jabbar er Boli Khela’: Shahjalal emerges as new champion Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said, “The earlier announcement disheartened people and they requested us to not suspend it so we decided to arrange it anyway.” “This year the competition will be held on the road in front of the Laldighi ground area from 3 pm to 5 pm. The competition used to be held for five days but this year it will be a three day long competition along with a fair,” he said. After holding the 110th edition in 2019 Jabbar er Boli Khela remained suspended for two years due to Covid-19 pandemic. Also read: A fair in Rangamati you can't miss before Boisabi! '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.