Historic Launch of Armwrestling Championship at Indian Universities

The All India University Armwrestling Championship has officially launched at Maharana Pratap University in Aligarh, marking a historic moment for the sport in India. This initiative, led by the People’s Armwrestling Federation of India, introduces Armwrestling into the Association of Indian Universities for the first time, providing a platform for young athletes to engage with the sport. The event saw participation from 52 universities and featured notable guests, including university vice chancellors and sports leaders. The championship aims to nurture talent and promote grassroots development in Armwrestling, with exciting matches and competitions planned for the future.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 11:59 IST

Inauguration of Armwrestling Championship in Aligarh

Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 16: A pivotal moment for the grassroots development of Armwrestling in India unfolded with the launch of the All India University (AIU) Armwrestling Championship at Maharana Pratap University. This initiative was spearheaded by the People’s Armwrestling Federation of India (PAFI) in collaboration with the Association of Indian Universities.

This championship is a groundbreaking event as it marks the first time Armwrestling has been included in the AIU, creating new opportunities for aspiring athletes nationwide to engage with the sport at the university level.

The launch event featured notable attendees, including Prof. Naima Khatoon, Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, who served as the Chief Guest. Other prominent figures included Parvinn Dabass, Co-Founder of the Pro Panja League, and Preeti Jhangiani, President of PAFI and Vice President of the Asian Armwrestling Federation (AAF).

Guests of Honour included Vijaya Singh, Zila Panchayat Adhyaksh, and Prof. Narendra Bahadur Singh, Vice Chancellor of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh State University.

A total of 52 universities from across India participated in this championship, highlighting the increasing interest in Armwrestling among young sports enthusiasts.

During the launch, Parvinn Dabass remarked, “The inclusion of Armwrestling in the Association of Indian Universities is a significant advancement for the sport in India. Universities are a hub for untapped talent, and this initiative will help us discover and cultivate future champions. Structured competitions like this are essential for building a robust grassroots ecosystem, providing young Armwrestlers with the chance to excel and compete at elite levels.”

Preeti Jhangiani expressed her pride in the event, stating, “This championship is a moment of pride for the entire Armwrestling community in India. Introducing the sport in universities will allow thousands of young athletes to explore Armwrestling seriously. Grassroots development is crucial for any sport, and initiatives like this will help uncover new talent across the nation, shaping the future of Indian Armwrestling.”

To add to the excitement, the event featured a Pro Panja League Mega Match, where professional Armwrestlers Abhishek Raghuvanshi and Vishal Choudhary competed, with Choudhary winning decisively with a score of 3-1 in front of an enthusiastic audience.

The first title at the All India University ArmWrestling Championship for girls' left hand was claimed by Teja P from Calicut University, who is also a star player in the Pro Panja League, representing the Mumbai Muscle team.