Laldighi and surrounding areas of the city now have no place to step. Shopkeepers have arranged various products. It is for this time that the businessmen of Chittagong wait like crows on a pilgrimage and the city dwellers also count the time. Because it is at this time that the Baisakhi fair takes place centered around Jabbar’s ball game. However, 12 Baisakh and 25 April are more expected than this fair by the people of Chittagong and all over the country. Because every year on this day, historical Abdul Jabba’s memorial ball game is held. Like other times, today is going to be the 115th season of Jabbar ball game.
The stage is already ready at the historic Laldighi ground. On the stage where the ballers from all over the country including Chittagong will fight for excellence. In that year 1909, Abdul Jabbar Saudagar, a businessman of Badarpati area, organized this sacrifice game to involve the youth in the anti-British movement. Who knew that ball game of that day would stand as a century-old masterpiece today. It will become a century-old tradition of the country. As time goes on, As the country is becoming prosperous with the touch of modernity, the appeal of playing Jabbar’s scapegoat is increasing day by day. There is no centennial tradition in the country anymore. One by one, the traditions of rural Bengal like cow fighting or ball games have been lost. There day by day Jabbar’s scapegoat is entering youth.
The historic Laldighi Maidan is memorable for many reasons. One of which is Jabbar’s ball game. Just as the traders wait for this Jabbar Bali festival of Baishakhi all year round, Balinese all over the country eagerly wait for this 12th day of Baishakh. On this day, Balis prepare themselves throughout the year to prove themselves at their best. How many people have become heroes from this Jabbar’s scapegoat game. How many infamous victims have come and taken away the trophy of excellence. How many heroes have turned into zeros. How many infamous victims have reached the pinnacle of fame. How many people have left Laldighi Maidan with the joy of fulfilling their dreams. How many dreams have been broken in the green fields of Laldighi. Some did not give up again. Has been fighting for years. Finally succeeded. And some have played the first time.
Today is that day again. Once again Tetulia’s balls have started coming from Teknaf. The fact that the appeal of Jabbar’s Bali game has not decreased so much can be seen from the arrival of the victims from different parts of the country. At least 12 Baisakhs, this city of bricks should take the form of a village in Bengal. Since yesterday, the victims have started coming to Chittagong from different parts of the country. Shahjalal Boli of Comilla is the champion of the last season, All the best ballies have confirmed their presence, including runner-up Chakria’s Tariqul Isnlam Jeeban Balli. New with him, The organizers are expecting hundreds of old ballers to participate in this year’s Jabbar ball game. The registration process has started from yesterday. This historical fight will start at four o’clock in the afternoon.
NHT Sports Complex is sponsoring this year’s ball game. Courtesy of them, the champion of this year’s ball game will get a trophy and cash of Tk 30,000. Which is the highest ever. The runner-up will get a trophy and a cash prize of Tk 20,000. Besides, the third place winner will get a trophy and cash of Tk 10,000. And the fourth place winner will also get a trophy and a cash prize of Tk 5,000. In addition, the winners of the first round of this year’s ball game will get a trophy and two thousand rupees in cash. ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Railways, will be present as the chief guest in this year’s Jabbar Bali game. Chittagong District Sports Association General Secretary AJM Nashir Uddin will be the inaugural function. Syed Mohammad Tanseer, the managing director of NHT Sports Complex, the sponsor of this year’s volleyball game, will be present as a special guest.
