Delhi Flexes Muscles: World Armwrestling Championships 2026 Kick Off!
Over 1,700 athletes from 60+ countries gather in Delhi for the 47th World Armwrestling and 28th World Para Armwrestling Championships.
In a historic first for the nation, New Delhi has become the epicenter of global strength as the 47th World Armwrestling and 28th World Para Armwrestling Championships 2026 officially commenced on Thursday. The event marks a defining milestone for the sport in India, bringing together an unprecedented gathering of athletes and officials from every corner of the globe.
A Global Gathering of Strength
The scale of the event is staggering, with more than 1,700 athletes, officials, and supporters hailing from over 60 countries. This massive turnout makes it one of the largest international armwrestling competitions ever staged. The championships are being hosted by the People's Armwrestling Federation of India (PAFI), led by Preeti Jhangiani and Parvinn Dabass, under the guidance and affiliation of the World Armwrestling Federation (WAF).
The inauguration ceremony was graced by high-profile dignitaries, including Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Parliamentary & Minority Affairs, and Anurag Singh Thakur, Member of Parliament (Hamirpur) and former Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports. Also in attendance were global leaders of the sport, such as WAF President Assen Hadjitodorov, WAF General Secretary Mircea Simionescu-Simicel, and Asian Armwrestling Federation (AAF) President Jeenbek Mukambetov.
A Celebration of Culture and Inclusion
The opening ceremony was a vibrant blend of athletic ambition and Indian heritage. The festivities began with a rhythmic cultural showcase featuring drummers and dancers from Kerala, followed by three distinct performances that highlighted the diverse cultural fabric of India.
The spirit of international unity was on full display during the Parade of Nations, where participating countries marched past to symbolize the inclusive nature of the competition. The event was formally inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Kiren Rijiju, Anurag Singh Thakur, Assen Hadjitodorov, Preeti Jhangiani, and Parvinn Dabass.
Words of Encouragement
Addressing the international crowd, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed his excitement over the global enthusiasm for the sport. He congratulated the PAFI team for their hard work in bringing the World Championship to Indian soil for the first time, noting that the country felt privileged to host the athletes and share Indian hospitality.
Adding to the welcome, Anurag Singh Thakur emphasized the pride associated with hosting an event of such magnitude. He stated that sports hold a special place in the hearts of Indians and pledged full support to ensure the championship remains a memorable experience for all participants.
Pro Panja League Steals the Spotlight
One of the most electrifying moments of the evening was a 20-minute mega exhibition match. Pro Panja League athletes Prasenjeet Patra and Amit Singh faced off in a high-intensity bout that captivated the assembled international delegations and officials.
This exhibition highlighted the rapid growth of professional armwrestling within India. Since its first televised season in 2023, the Pro Panja League has been instrumental in professionalizing the sport, notably by providing equal prize money and opportunities for men, women, and para-athletes.
"Tonight," began Preeti Jhangiani, President of PAFI and Co-founder of the Pro Panja League, as she addressed the gathering...