Bagha Sharif Wins Chittagong's Traditional Boli Khela Wrestling Match

Comilla’s Bagha Sharif has clinched the championship title at the 117th edition of Chittagong’s historic Jabbar's Boli Khela (traditional wrestling competition) for the fourth consecutive year.

He secured the victory by defeating his long-time rival, Rashed Boli, in a fiercely contested final.

The day-long sporting event concluded on Saturday (April 25) afternoon at the Laldighi Maidan in Chittagong.

The final bout lasted 24 minutes and 26 seconds, with both wrestlers displaying aggressive techniques from the start. This marked the third consecutive year that Sharif and Rashed faced off in the tournament's final match. Both finalists hail from Comilla—Sharif is from Manipur village in Homna upazila, while Rashed is from Nasrail village in Sadar upazila.

Earlier in the day, Rashed advanced to the final by defeating Mithu in the first semi-final. In the second semi-final, Bagha Sharif competed against Shah Jalal and advanced after being declared the winner by consensus. Mithu later won the third-place decider match.

This year's competition featured 108 Bolis (wrestlers) from across the country, with Banglalink serving as the title sponsor.

Centered around the wrestling tournament, the traditional Baishakhi Mela (fair) adjacent to Laldighi Maidan drew massive crowds. A festive atmosphere prevailed throughout the area all day, featuring shopping, food stalls, and various cultural entertainment.

Official crests and prize money were handed over to the winners at the conclusion of the event.