Maharashtra Hosts World Armwrestling Federation for 2026 Championships Preparation
High-Level Meeting in Mumbai
A significant meeting took place at Varsha Bungalow, the official residence and office of Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, in Mumbai. This gathering was part of the World Armwrestling Federation's (WAF) official inspection for the upcoming World Armwrestling & Para Armwrestling Championships, set to occur in India from October 26 to November 7, 2026. Attendees included Assen Hadjitodorov, the WAF President from Bulgaria, and Mircea Simicel Simionescu, the WAF General Secretary from Romania. They were joined by Preeti Jhangiani, President of PAFI, and Parvinn Dabass, Co-Founder of the Pro Panja League, who hosted the visiting officials.
During their visit, WAF representatives evaluated facilities in Mumbai and Delhi, both potential host cities for the championship. The discussions also involved meetings with officials from the Paralympic Committee of India, including Vice President Sangwan, CEO Rahul Swami, and Paralympic Sports Specialist Manish Rana, focusing on the support and development of Para Armwrestling in the country.
WAF Affirms India's Preparedness
After the inspection, the World Armwrestling Federation confirmed that India meets all technical requirements for hosting the event. The country boasts essential infrastructure, including major international airports, online visa facilities, and all necessary components for a successful global championship. Assen Hadjitodorov expressed confidence in India's capabilities, stating, "India has shown strong commitment and capability in hosting large-scale events, having successfully organized the Asian Armwrestling & Para Armwrestling Championship last year. The infrastructure and organizational strength assure us that the 2026 Championships will meet the highest standards. I extend my gratitude to Parvinn Dabass and Preeti Jhangiani for their exceptional hospitality."
Organizers Share Optimism
Preeti Jhangiani expressed pride in hosting the WAF delegation, emphasizing India's readiness to organize the World Armwrestling & Para Armwrestling Championships. She acknowledged the support from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, which boosts their confidence in delivering a world-class event. Parvinn Dabass remarked, "This inspection is a pivotal moment for Armwrestling in India. The encouragement from Chief Minister Fadnavis and the positive feedback from WAF inspire us to host an exceptional tournament for fans, athletes, and participating nations."
Looking ahead, Jhangiani and Dabass plan to attend the European Armwrestling Championships in Budapest this May, where they will present to the participating European nations in preparation for the World Championships.