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, where it is considered as a national game. 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 year 1909 (1316 in Bengali year) by Abdul Jabbar. He was a rich businessman of Satkania Upazila under Madarsha Union in the Chittagong district. It is a popular belief that every year when Abdul Jabbar collected dues from his renter, he'd arrange a Boli Khela tournament. It was started in 1879 to organize the youths against the British rule. After his death, it is held on the seventh Boishakh, the first month of Bengali year; however, now it is called "Mokkaro Boli Khela".

Rules

The arena must measure 20 feet in diameter, and can be a circle or square in size. It must be played on a dirt or sand floor.

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.