New Delhi
A 43-member Indian contingent, led by President Preeti Jhangiani, is gearing up to participate in the World Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan, which began on August 24. The Indian team will be represented under the banner of the People’s Armwrestling Federation of India (PAFI). The men’s team, consisting of 16 athletes and captained by Banbatjuban Khongwir with Vice-Captain Fahad Samah, and the women’s team, comprised of 15 athletes and captained by Komalben Mayank Patel with Vice-Captain Anna Theresa, are heading to Kazakhstan. Additionally, an 8-member specially-abled contingent from India will also compete in the World Para Armwrestling Championships. Armwrestling has gained significant popularity in India, especially after the success of the inaugural season of the Pro Panja League, a professional armwrestling competition. The nation’s attention is now focused on the Indian contingent’s participation in the World Armwrestling Championships, with hopes of achieving notable results and winning medals in this prestigious event. Preeti Jhangiani, President of PAFI, expressed her honor and excitement about leading the Indian team. She said, We have some of the best athletes in the world, and we are taking a very strong team. We hope to bring back many medals for our country. Laxman Singh Bhandari, General Secretary and Head Coach of the Indian contingent, shared his optimism and stated that the team is practicing rigorously to deliver outstanding performances and secure medals in multiple categories at the World Championships. He also highlighted the increasing participation of women and specially-abled athletes in the sport of armwrestling in India, reflecting the growing popularity and acceptance of the sport, PAFI is the exclusive Indian organization affiliated with the Asian Armwrestling Federation (AAF) and the World Armwrestling Federation (WAF).
