Didar back & wins

Two wrestlers fight in the century-old Jabbarer Boli Khela at the Laldighi Maidan in Chittagong yesterday. Photos: Anurup Kanti Das

Didar Boli returned from a three-year ban to claim his tenth title in Jabbarer Boli Khela at the famous Laldighi Maidan where the glorious wrestling competition marked its 104th edition with unbridled passion and fanfare yesterday.
Didar, a popular boli from Ramu, dethroned last year's champion Oli after a pulsating five-minute fight that attracted thousands of people who turned up to the ground beating traditional drums locally called as “dabor” and playing Shenai.
Didar, who was banned from the competition in 2009 for violating the time-rule, returned to the ring after the organising committee accepted his appeal.
The competition first introduced by Jabbar saudagor (merchant) of Badorpati in the port city in 1909 to inject indomitable fighting spirit among the youths against the British, is being staged on the 12th day of Bangla month Boishak every year.

The eventual winner Didar. Photos: Anurup Kanti Das

A total of 84 bolis (wrestlers) from Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, Ukhia, Satkania, Sitakunda, Raozan, Banskhali, Moheskhali, Chakaria, Patiya, Comilla, Bramanbaria took part this year.
The event has two segments. In first segment 80 bolis, who are amateurs, participate and of them 40 bolis got awards.
In the second segment four bolis, known as champion boli, fight it out for glory. This year the four heavyweights who took part are Iqbal from Raozan, Manjur from Ramu, Oli from Brahmanbaria and Didar.
“I have taken preparation and joined in all local competitions and also won awards in the last few years”, said Didar after winning the title.
Oli, the runner up of
the competition, said Didar is more skillful
and added that he would put up a better fight next year.
Chittagong City Corporation Mayor M Manjur Alam inaugurated the competition while Channel-I Director and Head of News Shaikh
Siraj was present as chief guest. Mobile telecom operator Banglalink sponsored the event.