Comilla's homer Bagha Sharif has become the champion in the 115th edition of Abdul Jabbar's Balikhela at the historic Laldighi Maidan in Chittagong.

He defeated Rashed Bali of Comilla Sadar to become the champion on Thursday (April 25) afternoon. Srijan Chakma of Khagrachari took third place in the competition. Russell Bali of Sitakunda Upazila of Chittagong came fourth.

Former Mayor of Chittagong City Corporation Azam Nasir Uddin inaugurated the Balikhela of this edition at 4:30 pm. 80 Balikhela players from different parts of the country participated in the competition.

Each of the 35 winners of the first round received a prize of Tk 2,000. The champion was given Tk 30,000 prize money and a crest. The runner-up was given Tk 20,000 prize money and a crest. A total of 80 competitors participated in the competition.

Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Parliament on the Ministry of Railways, ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury, was present as the chief guest and distributed prizes among the winners.

Jabbar's Bali Khel has been held at Laldighi Maidan in Chittagong since 1909. Abdul Jabbar Saudagar, one of the organizers of the anti-British movement, introduced this Bali Khel.