Bangladesh: Jobbarer Boli Khela, traditional form of wrestling in Chittagong by Md Zakir Hossain
Boli Khela or Bali Khela is a traditional form of wrestling in Bangladesh, particularly popular in the Chittagong area considered as a national game of the district. It is a form of combat sport involving grappling type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. It is one of the oldest traditions of the Chittagong. The sporting event, held in the first month of the Bengali year date of 7th, always takes place at Laldighi Maidan as Jabbarer Boli khela.
Jobbarer Boli Khela was first held on 25 April 1909 on Laldighi Maidan at the initiative of Abdul Jabbar, a businessman from Badarpati area of Chattogram. His desire was to cultivate a sport that would prepare the youth to fight against British rule which is a self-defense without weapons. It was started in 1907. Broad appeal for the sport began at the end of the First World War but subsided at the end of the Second World War. Since then the competition has been held once a year in Chattogram.
This 108-year-old Boli Khela at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram has become an integral part of the folk culture of Bangladesh. The name of the game ‘Boli Khela’ has its origins in two different words ‘Boli’ and ‘Khela’. ‘Boli’ is a local term which means a strong or powerful person and the word ‘Khela’ is the Bengali meaning of the word sport or game.
Abdul Jabbar Smriti Kusti Praitijogita and Boishakhi Mela Committee organize the century-old popular wrestling competition and a three-day fair every year on 12th day of Bangla month Boishakh.
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