India Hosts Historic World Armwrestling Championships in Delhi
India Welcomes the World Armwrestling Championships
On Thursday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and BJP MP Anurag Thakur celebrated the hosting of the 47th World Armwrestling and 28th World Para Armwrestling Championships 2026 in Delhi. Rijiju described this event as a significant achievement for the organizers, while Thakur emphasized the participation of athletes from over 60 nations as a testament to India's commitment to sports promotion.
A Grand Opening Ceremony
The People's Armwrestling Federation of India (PAFI), led by Preeti Jhangiani and Parvinn Dabass, organized the opening ceremony under the auspices of the World Armwrestling Federation (WAF). This championship marks the first time India is hosting such an event, attracting more than 1,700 athletes, officials, and supporters from over 60 countries. Scheduled from October 29 to November 7, 2026, it stands as one of the largest international armwrestling competitions ever held.
Rijiju Commends the Organizers
Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, spoke to the media about the importance of hosting the World Armwrestling and Para Armwrestling Championships in India for the first time. He congratulated the organizers, particularly Preeti Jhangiani and Parvinn Dabass, and acknowledged the gathering of participants from over 60 countries. Rijiju described the opening ceremony as magnificent and encouraged residents of Delhi and nearby areas to attend the championship.
"This is the inaugural world-class arm wrestling championship in India, specifically in Delhi. It features two categories: the 47th World Arm Wrestling Championship and a special category for para-athletes. I commend all the organizers, especially Preeti Jhangiani and Parvinn Dabass, along with the Indian team. Organizing such a grand-scale arm wrestling event is a remarkable achievement," he stated.
"With participants from over 60 countries, including the world's top arm wrestlers, this is no ordinary event. The most powerful nations in arm wrestling are represented here. Since this is the first time India is hosting an event of this caliber, I wish everyone the best. You will witness some of the strongest individuals in the world right here in India. The opening ceremony was truly spectacular, and I urge the people of Delhi and surrounding areas to come and experience it," he added.
Thakur Emphasizes Sports Development
Anurag Thakur, MP for Hamirpur and former Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, expressed pride in India hosting the World Armwrestling Championship, with over 1,700 athletes from more than 60 countries participating. He highlighted the event's significance in promoting sports within the country, noting that hosting major international competitions, including the 2030 Commonwealth Games and India's bid for the 2036 Olympics, would uplift the spirits of Indian athletes.
"It is a tremendous honor for India to host such a prestigious event. Athletes from 60 countries are here, showcasing India's commitment to sports promotion. We are preparing for the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and are bidding for the 2036 Olympic Games. Hosting these major events consecutively boosts the morale of our athletes. For example, nearly 250 Indian athletes are competing here, alongside large teams from various countries. This clearly demonstrates that India is actively promoting sports," he stated.
The ceremony also featured prominent figures from the global armwrestling community, including Assen Hadjitodorov, President of the World Armwrestling Federation (WAF); Mircea Simionescu-Simicel, General Secretary of WAF; Jeenbek Mukambetov, President of the Asian Armwrestling Federation (AAF); Phil Rasmussen, President of Armwrestling Australia; Preeti Jhangiani, President of PAFI, Vice President of AAF, and Co-founder of Pro Panja League; and Parvinn Dabass, Co-founder of Pro Panja League.