BG Sports Club and Zeppo Sports Club have advanced to the final of this year’s Eid Baibalaa Challenge after winning their semi-final matches last night.

Baibalaa, a traditional Maldivian contact team sport similar to kabaddi, has seen strong competition this year, with teams investing heavily in preparation.

This edition of the tournament has introduced key format changes. Unlike previous years, which followed a knockout system, the competition is now played under a double elimination format, giving teams a second chance after a loss.

The number of “Gadha Hifun”; decisive tackles required to win a match has also increased from two to three.

BG booked their place in the final after a tightly contested semi final against newcomers The Wolves. Wolves won the first game 9-8 from outside, while BG edged the second 8-7. BG then sealed victory by winning the Gadha Hifun 3-2 across five holds.

Zeppo secured their spot with a comeback win over Odi Sports Club. Odi took the first game 9-4, but Zeppo responded with a 7-5 win in the second, before clinching the Gadha Hifun 3-2.

The final marks a significant milestone for BG, the most successful team in Baibalaa history, who have reached the final for the first time in 12 years. Zeppo, by contrast, are a relatively new side, having begun competing only last year, when they also reached the semi-finals.

BG, record 10 time champions, returned to competition in 2022 after several years away from the Baibalaa arena.

Earlier in the tournament, Odi Sports Club defeated O1O in straight games in the first quarter-final. Zeppo beat Club Kaasinjee (CK), while BG overcame Zefrol in two straight games. The Wolves progressed by defeating Lorenzo Sports Club, also in straight games.

This year’s tournament featured 38 teams, with both quarter-final and semi-final matches held yesterday.

The final between BG Sports Club and Zeppo Sports Club is scheduled for 9 pm.