The Indian arm wrestling team delivered a stellar performance at the 2024 Asian Championship held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, securing a total of seven medals, which included one gold and six bronze. The event showed the strength and skill of Indian athletes on an international stage, with standout performances from several competitors.
Shrimant Jha emerged as the top performer for India, competing in two categories and securing medals in both. He clinched the gold medal in the left-hand para category, demonstrating his exceptional prowess and determination. Additionally, Jha won a bronze medal in the right-hand para category, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor.
Laxman Singh Bhandari also had a commendable outing, winning two bronze medals in the Masters category. His consistency and technique were on full display, earning him accolades and contributing significantly to India’s medal tally.
Sachin Goyal, a prominent figure in the Pro Panja League as a star of the Baroda Badshahs franchise and a social media sensation, added to India’s success by winning a bronze medal in the competitive right-hand Senior category. Goyal’s popularity and performance highlight the growing appeal and recognition of arm wrestling in India.
From Arunachal Pradesh, Ibi Lollen made a remarkable impact by securing two bronze medals in the Women’s right and left-hand categories. Her achievements show the increasing participation and success of female athletes in arm wrestling.
Pramod Mukhi, although missing out on a medal, delivered a noteworthy performance by finishing fourth in a fiercely contested bout. His efforts reflect the depth of talent and competitive spirit within the Indian contingent.
The success of the Indian team was celebrated by Preeti Jhangiani, President of the People’s Armwrestling Federation India (PAFI). In a press release, Jhangiani expressed her pride and satisfaction with the team’s achievements. “It was a great privilege for me as the President of The People’s Armwrestling Federation India (PAFI) to send this strong and competitive Indian contingent for the Asian Championship 2024,” she said.
Jhangiani also emphasized the growing popularity of arm wrestling in India and its potential as a career option. “Our arm wrestlers performed well and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them for bringing accolades to the country. It’s great to see more and more youngsters taking up arm wrestling as a career option and not just a hobby.”
The People’s Armwrestling Federation India (PAFI) plays a crucial role in promoting and organizing arm wrestling in the country. As the sole Indian organization affiliated with the Asian Armwrestling Federation (AAF) and World Armwrestling Federation (WAF), PAFI is instrumental in providing Indian athletes with opportunities to compete at international levels and gain recognition for their skills.
As India continues to excel on international platforms, the dedication and hard work of its athletes and the support of organizations like PAFI will be crucial in nurturing talent and achieving greater success in arm wrestling.
