India Dominates World Armwrestling Championships 2026 With 20-Medal Haul
India secures 20 medals in the first two days of the World Armwrestling and Para Armwrestling Championships 2026, ranking 4th globally.
India has made a thunderous start at the 47th World Armwrestling and 28th World Para Armwrestling Championships 2026, securing a massive 20 medals within the first two days of finals. Hosting the prestigious event for the very first time, India has climbed to the fourth spot in the overall medal standings, trailing only the powerhouses of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Türkiye.
The championships are being held at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel in East Delhi. The grand inauguration on Thursday was attended by Union Minister of Parliamentary & Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and MP (Hamirpur) and former Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Anurag Singh Thakur.
A Historic Hosting Effort
The event is being organized by the People's Armwrestling Federation of India (PAFI) under the aegis of the World Armwrestling Federation. The effort is led by Preeti Jhangiani, President of PAFI and Vice President of AAF, along with Parvinn Dabass, both of whom are co-founders of the Pro Panja League.
The global significance of the tournament was highlighted by the presence of several international dignitaries, including WAF President Assen Hadjitodorov, General Secretary Mircea Simionescu-Simicel, Asian Armwrestling Federation President Mr. Jeenbek Mukambetov, and Armwrestling Australia President Phil Rasmussen.
The Golden Performers: Masters and Youth
India's Masters category proved to be a powerhouse, contributing 4 Gold, 1 Silver, and 7 Bronze medals to the tally. A standout performance came from Jincymol Sebastian, who secured India's only double gold by winning the Grand Master Women 80 kg category on both arms.
Other key achievements in the Masters category include:
- Yogesh Choudhary: Gold (Master Women +80 kg Right) and Bronze (Left).
- Shoukath VT: Gold (Master Men -60 kg Right) and Bronze (Left).
- Minimol Jose: Silver (Grand Master Women +80 kg Right).
- Preetha C: Bronze (Grand Master Women +80 kg Right).
- Priya Payyan Kunhiveettil: Bronze on both arms (Master Women 80 kg).
- Mini K: Bronze on both arms (Grand Master Women 70 kg).
The youth contingent also showcased immense talent, led by Jimmison Marwein, who clinched a silver medal in the Youth Men 65 kg category. The bronze medal haul for the youngsters included:
- Aabhas Rana: Junior Boys +90 kg (Left).
- Laithansanga: Youth Men -55 kg.
- Ajay Kumar: Youth Men 60 kg.
- Vishnupriya P: Youth Women 80 kg.
- Aryan Singh: Sub-Junior Boys -45 kg.
- Yumnam Chingkhei Singh: Sub-Junior Boys 50 kg.
- Shane Salish: Sub-Junior Boys 70 kg.
From World Stage to Pro Panja League
The professional growth of the sport in India is being further propelled by the Pro Panja League (PPL). The league provides a critical platform for Indian athletes to transition from amateur success to professional stardom.
Building on their World Championship momentum, medalists Yogesh Choudhary and Aabhas Rana are set to feature in the upcoming PPL Poonawalla Gold Edition II. This high-profile event, organized in partnership with the Poonawalla Group, will take place in Pune on November 28, 2026, featuring an elite lineup of both Indian and international armwrestlers.