A visitor on Tuesday chooses earthenware at a pottery stall set up at a handicraft fair on the occasion of Jabbarer Bali Khela in Chittagong. — FNS photo

The traditional 103rd Abdul Jabbar Wrestling Competition, popularly known as Jabbarer Bali Khela, will be held today at the historic Laldighi Maidan in the Chittagong city.
Meanwhile, a three-day Baishakhi Mela began on Tuesday at the venue.   
The wrestling competition and Bangla new year fair are held every year at Laldighi Maidan with much enthusiasm and cultural zeal.
The wrestling competition will be inaugurated by Channel-i director Shykh Seraj. Chittagong city mayor Mohammad Manjur Alam will attend the programme as chief guest.
Besides, Chittagong Metropolitan Police commissioner Abul Kashem, Chittagong District Sports Association general secretary AZM Nasir Uddin and regional head of Banglalink Farhad Hossen will attend the programme as special guests.
The mobile phone operator Banglalink will sponsor the programme.
Abdul Jabbar Smriti Kusti Pratijogita O Baishakhi Mela organises the wrestling competition every year on Baishakh 12 as per tradition.
Jahar Lal Hazari, local ward councilor and president of the wresting competition committee, said they had taken all necessary preparations to make the occasion successful.
Shawkat Anwar Badal, grandson of Abdul Jabbar and also general secretary of the committee, informed that about 150 wrestlers from different parts of the country would take part in the competition this year.
‘City corporation ward councilor Abdul Malek will act as referee in the competition this year, Badal added.
Shawkat Anwar Badal said, ‘Though the wrestling competition is named after my grandfather, it has become a heritage of Chittagong. Every year, millions of people gather centering the competition.'