Alam Boli, the king

Alam Boli of Teknaf celebrates after becoming champion in the Jabbarer Boli Khela at the Laldighi Maidan in Chittagong yesterday.Photo: STAR

The century-old traditional Jabbarer Boli Khela was held at the historic Laldighi Maidan in Chittagong yesterday. The event is a traditional wrestling competition and one of the oldest traditions of the port city.
Alam Boli from Teknaf emerged champion in the 101st edition of the competition. Alam was also the joint-champion in the hundredth meet last year.
Banglalink, one of the leading mobile phone operators of the country, sponsored the competition which is a part of the three-day Boishakhi Fair at Laldighi. Banglalink sponsored the event for the second consecutive year.
The tradition is that it is held in Boishakh, the first month of Bengali year, and the sporting event always takes place at Laldighi Maidan. The contest got its name from local merchant Abdul Jabbar Sawdagor who introduced this competition back in 1909 -- Bengali year 1316 -- with an aim to motivate and organise the Bengali youths. The descendant of Abdul Jabbar, with the support of local people, has proudly uphold this tradition ever since.