India Welcomes the World to the 2026 Armwrestling Championship
Inauguration of the World Armwrestling Championship 2026
The 47th World Armwrestling and 28th World Para Armwrestling Championship 2026 officially kicked off on Thursday in New Delhi. The event was graced by Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, along with Anurag Singh Thakur, Member of Parliament from Hamirpur and former Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports. The opening ceremony was organized by the People's Armwrestling Federation of India, led by Preeti Jhangiani and Parvinn Dabass, under the auspices of the World Armwrestling Federation (WAF).
A Historic Gathering
This championship marks the first time India is hosting such a prestigious event, attracting over 1,700 athletes, officials, and supporters from more than 60 nations. This makes it one of the largest international armwrestling competitions ever held, representing a significant milestone for the sport in India. The ceremony also featured prominent figures from the global armwrestling community, including Assen Hadjitodorov, President of WAF; Mircea Simionescu-Simicel, General Secretary of WAF; and Phil Rasmussen, President of Armwrestling Australia.
Cultural Celebrations and Ceremonial Highlights
The event commenced with a vibrant cultural display, showcasing traditional drumming and dancing from Kerala, followed by performances that highlighted India's rich cultural diversity. The Parade of Nations saw participants from various countries march together, symbolizing the event's global spirit. The ceremonial lighting of the lamp by dignitaries, including Kiren Rijiju and Anurag Singh Thakur, officially inaugurated the championship.
Messages from Dignitaries
Kiren Rijiju expressed his excitement about the event, stating, "It is wonderful to see so many participants from around the globe. I commend Preeti Jhangiani, Parvinn Dabass, and the entire team for their hard work in bringing this championship to India. We are honored to host you and showcase our hospitality." Anurag Singh Thakur also welcomed the athletes, emphasizing the pride in hosting such a significant event and assuring support for a memorable experience.
Pro Panja League Exhibition Match
A highlight of the evening was a thrilling 20-minute exhibition match featuring Pro Panja League athletes Prasenjeet Patra and Amit Singh, captivating the audience of international delegates and athletes. This bout illustrated the rising popularity of professional armwrestling in India. Since its inaugural televised season in 2023, the Pro Panja League has aimed to create a professional environment for armwrestling, ensuring equal opportunities and prize money for all athletes.
Looking Ahead
Preeti Jhangiani remarked, "Tonight, India welcomed the strongest arms from around the world, showcasing how far armwrestling has progressed in our country. Hosting the World Championship is a significant step forward for every Indian athlete and coach who believes in this sport." Parvinn Dabass added, "Our goal with Pro Panja was to professionalize a sport that has always been part of Indian culture. The enthusiastic response tonight indicates that the world is ready for this evolution." The opening ceremony concluded with a press conference and high tea, marking the beginning of the championship, which runs from October 29 to November 7, 2026.