A 16-year-old English-medium student from Dhaka has emerged as one of the most talked-about participants at this year’s Jabbar’s Boli Khela, Bangladesh’s iconic traditional wrestling festival, after defeating an opponent 12 years his senior in his debut appearance.
Aranya Taufiq, from Mogbazar, Dhaka, traveled to Laldighir Maath in Chittagong on Saturday (April 25) with his coach Samir to compete in the 117th edition of the Abdul Jabbar Smriti Boli Khela. He was the youngest contestant in the entire tournament.
Taufiq’s match against Boli Mohammad Manik of Halishahar lasted just over a minute, ending in a victory for the teenager. After the win, he was seen embracing his coach, clearly emotional after a memorable first appearance.
“I was up against someone older and stronger,” Taufiq said. “I was a bit nervous at first, but I didn’t lose confidence. Winning feels amazing.”
He added that he had long been fascinated by the event. “I’ve heard about Boli Khela for years. This time, I finally got the chance to see it up close and compete.”
Taufiq developed an interest in combat sports from a young age and trains regularly in Dhaka. A fan of professional wrestling, he dreams of becoming a professional wrestler in the future. His parents have consistently supported his sporting ambitions.
The Abdul Jabbar Smriti Boli Khela began in 1909, founded by merchant Abdul Jabbar Sawdagar in Chittagong. Held annually on the 12th of Baishakh at Laldighir Maath alongside a traditional Baishakhi fair, the event has grown into one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated cultural and sporting festivals.
This year’s competition featured 108 wrestlers from across the country. Eight advanced to the quarter-finals, and four reached the semi-finals.
In the final, reigning champion “Bagha” Sharif secured his third consecutive title by defeating Rashed Boli, bringing the tournament to a close after a memorable edition highlighted by the impressive debut of the young Dhaka wrestler.
