India Shines at the 47th World Armwrestling Championship with 20 Medals
India's Impressive Performance at the Championship
India has made a remarkable impact at the 47th World Armwrestling and 28th World Para Armwrestling Championship 2026, held at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel in East Delhi. The country secured a total of 20 medals during the first two days of finals, placing fourth overall, trailing only behind Russia, Kazakhstan, and Türkiye. The inauguration ceremony on Thursday was attended by Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, along with Anurag Singh Thakur, MP from Hamirpur and former Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Hosting the Championship for the First Time
This championship marks the first time India has hosted such an event, organized by the People's Armwrestling Federation of India (PAFI). The federation is led by Preeti Jhangiani, its President, who is also the Vice President of the Asian Armwrestling Federation and a co-founder of the Pro Panja League. Parvinn Dabass, another co-founder of the Pro Panja League, played a significant role in the organization. Notable attendees included WAF President Assen Hadjitodorov, General Secretary Mircea Simionescu-Simicel, Asian Armwrestling Federation President Jeenbek Mukambetov, and Phil Rasmussen, President of Armwrestling Australia.
Medal Highlights and Future Prospects
India's Masters category athletes achieved impressive results, winning 4 Gold, 1 Silver, and 7 Bronze medals. Jincymol Sebastian stood out by winning gold in both arms in the Grand Master Women 80 kg category, marking India's only double gold. Other notable performances included Yogesh Choudhary, who secured gold in the Master Women +80 kg Right and bronze in Left, and Shoukath VT, who won bronze in the Master Men -60 kg Left. Additionally, Minimol Jose and Preetha C earned silver and bronze in the Grand Master Women +80 kg Right, while Priya Payyan Kunhiveettil and Mini K also claimed bronze in their respective categories.
Professional Opportunities for Indian Arm Wrestlers
The Pro Panja League (PPL), co-founded by Preeti Jhangiani and Parvinn Dabass, provides a significant platform for Indian arm wrestlers to showcase their talents. Following their success, Yogesh Choudhary and Aabhas Rana, who won bronze in Junior Boys +90 kg Left, are set to participate in the upcoming PPL Poonawalla Gold Edition II in Pune on November 28, 2026. This event, organized in collaboration with the Poonawalla Group, promises to be a prestigious showcase featuring top-tier Indian and international arm wrestlers.
Youth Achievements at the Championship
Among the youth competitors, Jimmison Marwein led the way with a silver medal in the Youth Men 65 kg category. Other medalists included Aabhas Rana in Junior Boys +90 kg, Laithansanga in Youth Men -55 kg, Ajay Kumar in Youth Men 60 kg, and Vishnupriya P in Youth Women 80 kg, all of whom secured bronze medals. Additionally, Sub-Junior Boys Aryan Singh, Yumnam Chingkhei Singh, and Shane Salish also earned bronze in their respective weight classes.