Bagha Sharif from Cumilla’s Homna clinched the title of the 117th edition of the historic Abdul Jabbar-er Bolikhela, defeating Rashed Boli from Cumilla Sadar in a gruelling 40-minute encounter at Laldighi Maidan on Saturday.

At the beginning of 20th century, Abdul Jabbar Saudagar, a merchant from Chattogram, introduced a wrestling competition. His intention was to cultivate a sport that would prepare the youth to fight against British rule.

Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Rejaul Karim then took the initiative as per which the final competition took place on a makeshift stage on the road beside Laldighi Maidan on due time, Baishakh 12 or April 25.

The wrestling festival called Jabbarer Boli Khela (Jabbar’s Wrestling Competition) stands as one of Chittagong’s major festival in Laldighi area. The one-day festival begins in the Bangla month of Baishakh—or around April 25. Scores of professional and amateur wrestlers from across the country participates in the competition.