Onam Gamno and Shrimant Jha Appointed to Lead Team India in Asian Cup Arm Wrestling Championship

Onam Gamno from Arunachal Pradesh has been named captain of Team India for the Asian Cup Arm Wrestling Championship, with Shrimant Jha as vice-captain. Their appointments come at a time of heightened patriotic sentiment in Arunachal Pradesh following recent events. Gamno, a decorated arm wrestler, and Jha, a celebrated para-athlete, exemplify strength and inclusivity in sports. Their leadership reflects the Pro Panja League's commitment to diversity and excellence in arm wrestling, aiming to inspire athletes across the nation. Read more to discover their inspiring journeys and the significance of their roles.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 5, 2025, 11:42 IST

Onam Gamno and Shrimant Jha Take Charge of Team India

The Pro Panja League has officially announced that Onam Gamno from Arunachal Pradesh will serve as the captain of Team India for the upcoming Asian Cup Arm Wrestling Championship. Supporting her leadership is Shrimant Jha from Chhattisgarh, who has been appointed as vice-captain. Jha, a para-athlete, brings a unique perspective to the team, showcasing strength and inclusivity, as highlighted in a recent release from the league.

This announcement comes at a pivotal moment for Arunachal Pradesh, especially after recent events that ignited a sense of patriotism in the state. The incident involving China's attempt to restrict the passage of Prema Thongdok at the Shanghai airport led to a wave of unity and pride among the citizens, who expressed their sentiments through collective singing of 'Vande Mataram' and enthusiastic flag-waving.

Introducing the New Leadership

Onam Gamno, aged 27, hails from Ngopok village in the East Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh. She is an accomplished arm wrestler with numerous accolades, including a silver and bronze medal at the 2024 Asian Cup in Mumbai, a bronze at the 2025 National Armwrestling Championship, and two gold medals at the 2023 National Armwrestling Championship. Her consistent success makes her a role model for aspiring athletes from the northeast, demonstrating exceptional skill and leadership both on and off the mat.

Vice-captain Shrimant Jha is a renowned para-arm wrestler who recently secured a silver medal at the Hungary Para Arm Wrestling World Cup. His achievements highlight his remarkable talent and determination, serving as an inspiration for specially-abled athletes nationwide. His selection as vice-captain reinforces the team's commitment to inclusivity and excellence.

Expressions of Pride and Confidence

Onam Gamno expressed her pride in representing India, stating, 'I am honored to represent my country on the global stage, and I am committed to giving my best to bring glory to our tricolor.' This sentiment reflects her dedication to the sport and her country.

Preeti Jhangiani, President of the People's ArmWrestling Federation of India (PAFI) and Vice President of the Asian Armwrestling Federation (AAF), remarked, 'We are privileged to have Onam Gamno as our captain and Shrimant Jha as vice-captain for the Asian Cup. Their appointments embody the strength, skill, and spirit that define our league and Indian arm wrestling. Onam's leadership and Shrimant's inspiring journey as a para-athlete perfectly represent the values of determination and unity that we uphold. We are confident they will lead the team with passion and bring pride to our nation.'

Promoting Diversity in Arm Wrestling

These leadership appointments not only reflect Team India's competitive aspirations but also highlight the growing inclusivity of arm wrestling as a sport. With leaders representing both the vibrant northeast region and the specially-abled community, the Pro Panja League emphasizes its commitment to fostering diversity, opportunity, and excellence in Indian and Asian arm wrestling.