India to Host World Armwrestling Championships in 2026: A Milestone for Sports

India is set to host the 47th World Armwrestling and 28th World Para Armwrestling Championships in 2026, marking a significant milestone for sports in the country. With over 1,700 athletes from more than 60 nations participating, this event promises to showcase India's growing commitment to sports promotion. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and MP Anurag Thakur have expressed their pride in hosting such a prestigious championship, highlighting its importance for Indian athletes and the global armwrestling community. The event will take place from October 29 to November 7, 2026, in New Delhi, and is expected to draw significant public interest.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 29, 2026, 23:55 IST

Historic Armwrestling Championships Set for Delhi

On October 29, 2026, New Delhi will proudly host the 47th World Armwrestling and the 28th World Para Armwrestling Championships. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and BJP MP Anurag Thakur expressed their enthusiasm for this significant event, with Rijiju praising the organizers and Thakur emphasizing the participation of athletes from over 60 nations as a testament to India's commitment to sports promotion.

The opening ceremony, organized by the People’s Armwrestling Federation of India (PAFI) under the leadership of Preeti Jhangiani and Parvinn Dabass, is affiliated with the World Armwrestling Federation (WAF).

This championship marks a historic first for India, attracting over 1,700 athletes, officials, and supporters from more than 60 countries, making it one of the largest international armwrestling events ever held in the nation.

The event will take place from October 29 to November 7, 2026.

In a statement to the press, Kiren Rijiju highlighted the importance of hosting such a prestigious championship for the first time in India. He congratulated the organizers, especially Jhangiani and Dabass, and encouraged the public to attend and witness the competition. He noted, "This is the first world-class arm wrestling championship in India, featuring both the 47th World Arm Wrestling Championship and a special category for para-athletes. Organizing this event is a remarkable achievement."

Rijiju further remarked on the caliber of participants, stating, "Athletes from over 60 countries, including the world's top arm wrestlers, are here. This is a unique opportunity to see some of the strongest individuals in the sport right here in India. The opening ceremony was truly spectacular, and I invite everyone to come and experience it over the next 6-7 days."

Anurag Thakur, MP for Hamirpur and former Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, also expressed pride in India hosting the World Armwrestling Championship, noting the participation of 1,700 athletes from around the globe. He emphasized the event's significance in promoting sports in India, especially with upcoming major international competitions like the 2030 Commonwealth Games and India's bid for the 2036 Olympics.

Thakur stated, "Hosting such a significant event is a privilege for India. With athletes from 60 countries participating, it showcases our commitment to sports promotion. Major events like this boost the morale of our athletes, with nearly 250 Indian competitors joining large contingents from other nations, sending a strong message about India's dedication to sports."

The ceremony also featured prominent figures from the global armwrestling community, including Assen Hadjitodorov, President of the WAF; Mircea Simionescu-Simicel, General Secretary of the WAF; Jeenbek Mukambetov, President of the Asian Armwrestling Federation; and others.