Mokkar Boli Khela

Boli Khela
(বলী খেলা)

Two players (boli) playing Boli khela in Chittagong
Focus	Grappling
Hardness	Full Contact
Country of origin	Bangladesh
Famous practitioners	Didarul Alam
Parenthood	Historic
Olympic sport	No

Boli Khela or Bali Khela (Template:Lang-bn) 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 Madarsha Union as Mokkaro boli khela.

Etymology

Boli means wrestler or a powerful person in Bengali, while Khela denotes a game. So, Boli Khela means game of the powerful person.

History

Boli Khela was introduced in the last 19th century by Kader Boxo.He was a landlord of Satkania Upazila under Madarsha Union in Chittagong district.He was lives in there.Every year Bengali first month he collected dues from his renter.Then he arrange a boli khela(wrestling) to give interest there.It was started in 1879.After his dead, it is start 7th boishakh,first month of bengali year & nowadays it is called "Mokkaro Boli Khela".

Participation

The arena is either a circular or square shape, measuring at least fourteen to twenty feet across. Rather than using modern mats, Boli wrestlers train and compete on dirt floors. Match started in a sandy wrestling ground.Each year, Boli Khela attracts new participates and fans because the sheer enjoyment of the sport is not only contagious for local enthusiasts but inspires tourists to Bangladesh an opportunity to get a glimpse of an exciting and unique event.Fans of many countries come every year to see Boli khela.

Rules

The event starts at afternoon in a festive mood with the music of 'Dabor' (one kind of folk drum)and 'Sanai' (folk flute).Each match lasts about 25–30 minutes but if both competitors agree, the length of the final match may be extended up to 10–15 minutes.

Great practitioners

• Didar Boli, a trader from Omkhali under Ramu upazila in Cox's Bazar district.