World Armwrestling Championship 2026: India Grabs 58 Medals as Raksha Khadse Hails 'Big Opportunity'
Union Minister Raksha Khadse hails India hosting the 47th World Armwrestling Championship as a major opportunity for the sport.
India is currently witnessing a historic moment in the world of strength sports as it hosts the World Armwrestling Championship 2026 for the very first time. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, visited the event at the Leela Ambience Convention Hotel in New Delhi, describing the occasion as a "very big opportunity" for the nation to promote the sport and showcase its talent on a global stage.
A Global Gathering of Strength
The event, which combines the 47th World Armwrestling and 28th World Para Armwrestling Championships, has transformed New Delhi into a hub for athletes from across the globe. Running from October 29 to November 6, 2026, the championship has seen an unprecedented turnout of over 1,700 participants, including athletes, officials, and supporters representing more than 60 countries.
The massive scale of the event is a testament to the efforts of the People's Armwrestling Federation of India (PAFI), led by President Preeti Jhangiani (who also serves as Vice President of the Asian Armwrestling Federation) and Parvinn Dabass, Co-founder of the Pro Panja League. The tournament is being conducted under the official affiliation and guidance of the World Armwrestling Federation (WAF).
India's Dominance on Home Soil
The Indian contingent has delivered a powerhouse performance, securing a total of 58 medals so far. The medal haul reflects India's growing prowess across various age groups and categories:
- Gold: 9
- Silver: 19
- Bronze: 30
The breakdown of these achievements highlights a comprehensive success across the board, with 26 medals coming from the para categories, 20 from the sub-junior, junior, and youth categories, and 12 from the masters and grand masters divisions.
Ministerial Support and Vision
During her visit, Minister Raksha Khadse interacted with the competitors and officials, observing the high-intensity bouts firsthand. She emphasized her commitment to fostering the growth of armwrestling within India, stating that such international events provide the perfect platform to build a strong sporting culture and bring glory to the country.
The championship received a high-profile start on October 29, having been formally inaugurated by Union Minister of Parliamentary & Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Member of Parliament Anurag Singh Thakur.
The Road Ahead: From World Stage to Pro Panja League
This world-class event is part of a rapid ascent for India in the armwrestling circuit. The country previously hosted the Asian Armwrestling Cup in Mumbai in 2024 and the Asian Armwrestling & Para Armwrestling Championship 2025 in New Delhi, where India finished second overall with a staggering 176 medals.
The excitement will not end with the World Championship. The momentum is set to carry over to the Pro Panja League (PPL) Poonawalla Gold Edition II, scheduled for November 28, 2026, in Pune. This event, organized in partnership with the Poonawalla Group, will feature some of the biggest names in the sport, including recent World Championship medallists:
- Yogesh Choudhary: Gold (Master Women +80 kg Right) and Bronze (Left)
- Harkomal Singh Gill: Silver (Youth Men 85 kg Right)
- Aabhas Rana: Bronze (Junior Boys +90 kg Left)
As the championship continues until November 6, the world watches to see who will ultimately claim the titles in both the able-bodied and para categories.