Bagha Sharif wins 3rd straight title at Jabbar's Boli Khela
Rashed Boli finishes runner-up
Cumilla's Bagha Sharif clinched his third consecutive title at Chattogram's historic Jabbar's Boli Khela, defeating his long-time rival Rashed in the final of the 117th edition.
The much-anticipated final, held at Laldighi Ground this afternoon (25 April), featured a closely contested battle from the outset.
Both wrestlers matched each other move for move in a tense contest that lasted around 25 minutes. In the decisive moment, Sharif changed tactics, unbalanced Rashed, and executed a strong move to bring him down, prompting the referee to declare him the winner.
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Thousands of spectators gathered in the Laldighi area as the day progressed, braving the intense summer heat to witness the traditional event.
People crowded the ground and surrounding areas, some with clothes wrapped around their heads, others carrying umbrellas or standing under trees. The crowd eventually spread across several kilometres.
The competition began around 3pm with the sound of drums as participants entered the ring one by one. A total of 108 wrestlers took part this year. After the initial rounds, eight advanced to the quarter-finals, followed by four securing places in the semi-finals through knockout stages.
Rashed secured his place in the final by defeating Mithu in just one and a half minutes in the first semi-final. In the second semi-final, Bagha Sharif defeated former champion Shahjalal to book his place in the final.
Mithu claimed third place after a hard-fought 17-minute contest in the playoff match.
The announcement of the winner sparked loud celebrations among the crowd at Laldighi Ground, as Bagha Sharif reinforced his dominance by securing a third consecutive title, while Rashed finished as runner-up.
Following his victory, Sharif expressed gratitude to his supporters and organisers and sought blessings from the people.
The champion's trophy was handed over to him by Chattogram-9 Member of Parliament Abu Sufian, while the event was inaugurated earlier in the day by Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasan Md Shawkat Ali.
The traditional competition, initiated in 1909 by businessman Abdul Jabbar Sawdagar, has grown into one of Chattogram's largest cultural festivals.
Held every year on the 12th day of Boishakh, the first Bengali calendar month, the event also features a vibrant fair stretching across several kilometres. Even after more than a century, the festival remains a central part of the city's cultural heritage.
The country's leading digital operator, Banglalink, supported this year's festivities as the title sponsor for the 12th year, further solidifying its dedication to upholding local heritage.
