This year’s "Eid Baibalaa Challenge 1447," which is being held at the Hulhumalé Central Park area, has commenced with a double elimination format for the first time in the history of Eid Baibalaa.

Baibalaa is a local contact team sport similar to India's 'kabaddi'.

This tournament, for which teams traditionally prepare well in advance with significant expenditure, was previously conducted under a knockout system where a losing team was immediately eliminated.

However, that rule has now been changed. The current rule in effect is the double elimination system. Under this system, every team that loses will receive an additional opportunity before reaching the final.

While the number of matches in the tournament will increase with the new format, 38 teams are competing in this year's tournament. The final match of the tournament, which began last night, is scheduled to be played next Saturday night.

Seven matches were played in the tournament last night. Accordingly, in the first match, The One Sports Club defeated Kuda Henveiru United by 2-1 games, while in the second match, The BGs, the team fielded by BG Sports Club, competed against Kuda Henveiru Lions and took the win in straight games.

In the third match, last year's runner-up Lorenzo Sports Club defeated TC Sports Club in straight games. Additionally, the previous year's runner-up, Club Kasinjee (CK), defeated Buru Sports Club in straight games.

While Kasinjaas also defeated TC Fraternity in straight games, the newly competing The Wolves Club defeated Janavarians in straight games. The Wolves Club took both games by completely clearing the opposing team.

In the final match of the night, Club Teenage and Club Zefrol met. Teenage, who secured four trophies including the championship of the Eid Baibalaa Challenge 1444 held in 2023, lost in straight games to Zefrol, the team that has produced the most "Mister Baibalaa" titles in the tournament's history.

Heading into this year's tournament, Mohamed Shinan (Naani), who has won the "Mister Baibalaa" title a record three times, has retired from playing Baibalaa. Along with Naani, Aslam Waheed and Abdulla Nishan (Abo) have also secured the "Mister Baibalaa" title three times.

Abo, who won this title last year, will be seen with Club Zepo this year. Aslam, the only player to have won the "Mister Baibalaa" title for two consecutive years (in 2016 and 2017), most recently won the title in 2022.