Sibling Duo Aakriti and Aryan Kandari Shine in Pro Panja League Season 2
Rohtak Rowdies: A Family Affair in Arm Wrestling
Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) [India], August 9: The Rohtak Rowdies franchise has established itself as a leader in promoting competitive arm wrestling over the past two seasons of the Pro Panja League. This year, siblings Aakriti and Aryan Kandari are back to represent Rohtak Rowdies in the second season, hosted at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Training Centre for Disability Sports.
Founded by Parvinn Dabass and Preeti Jhangiani, the league emphasizes the importance of sibling bonds within the arm wrestling community.
Reflecting on his initial participation in the 80 kg category during the league's first season, Aryan recounted how he was approached to join the team. He stated, “I received a message about the Pro Panja League season and the Nationals. After signing the contract, I was asked if my sister would join, and I confidently said yes, as Aakriti is quite strong.”
Aryan shared his journey from powerlifting to arm wrestling, recalling how he was encouraged by peers at his academy who practiced arm wrestling during breaks. “One day, I decided to enter a state arm wrestling competition, not even knowing it was a sport. Surprisingly, I almost won without any prior practice, which motivated me to pursue arm wrestling further,” he explained.
Aakriti, inspired by her brother's journey, expressed her excitement about joining the league. “Aryan called me and said I should participate. I had been training with him, lifting heavy weights, and he always believed in my strength. The Pro Panja team reached out to me after seeing my videos, and I felt it was essential to compete at the national level,” she said.
Supporting her, Aryan noted, “Since joining the Pro Panja League, my sister has competed in State, National, and Asian events, which is quite an achievement.”
Discussing the growth of arm wrestling in their hometown of Srinagar, Uttarakhand, Aryan remarked, “When I started, only a handful of people participated. However, after I began sharing my journey on social media, interest surged, and now thousands are involved. It’s rewarding to see platforms like Pro Panja fostering the sport.”
Both siblings attribute their athleticism to a supportive family background. “While our parents aren’t athletes, they come from a strong lineage. Our grandfather was a police officer and an athlete, and our mother participated in marathons,” they shared.
Reflecting on their experience with Rohtak Rowdies, Aryan and Aakriti expressed their satisfaction with the franchise. “The environment is fantastic. If we need anything, Abhishek Malik, the owner, is quick to assist. Rohtak Rowdies has provided us with the support to enhance our energy and confidence during competitions, allowing us to compete together and grow stronger,” they concluded.