Chittagong, Bangladesh. 25th April 2018. 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’. Credit: Jahangir Alam Onuchcha/Alamy Live News
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. In the year 1909 (Bengali year 1316), a man named Abdul Jabbar Saudagar started organizing Boli Khela in Chittagong. He was a renowned businessman of Bakshirhat and resident of Bodorpati area in the city. A total of 86 wrestlers of different age groups from different parts of the country had contested in this year's competition. Jibon Boli of Chakaria upazila in Cox’s Bazar became champion defeating Shahjalal Boli of Comilla. The two wrestled for 14 minutes and 40 seconds, without being able to beat each other. Finally, Jibon Boli clinched the title as Shahjalal Boli was declared disqualified for foul. 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.
Size: 5248px × 3499px
Location: Chittagong, Bangladesh
Photo credit: © Jahangir Alam Onuchcha / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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