Kerala Wins 4th National Armwrestling Championship | Yuvraj Verma Shines
Kerala has emerged as the overall champion at the 4th National Armwrestling & Para-Armwrestling Championship, securing the top spot for the second consecutive year. The state dominated the medal tally across various weight categories, reinforcing its position as a powerhouse in the sport. This victory highlights the growing competitive landscape of arm wrestling in India and the rising standard of athletes across the country.
Organized by the Armwrestling Sports Association Gujarat, the championship took place under the auspices of the People's Armwrestling Federation India (PAFI). The event, spearheaded by President Rajendrasinh Parmar and Treasurer Mayank Patel, brought together top arm wrestlers from across India, competing in both mainstream and para-arm wrestling categories.
The standout performance of the championship came from Yuvraj Verma, who earned the prestigious title of Senior Men's Champion of Champions. After claiming victory in the 110 kg category, Verma demonstrated exceptional prowess by defeating champions from lighter weight classes, including Denic Lalruattluanga (90 kg), Vethozo Lohe (85 kg), and Aabhas Rana (100 kg). Adding to his accolades, Verma achieved a remarkable double by winning gold in both the right-hand and left-hand 110 kg categories.
In the women's division, Madhura Hassan secured the Women's Champion of Champions title, defeating K Lalhriatpuii from Mizoram in a hard-fought final.
The tournament was also marked by significant upsets. Eighteen-year-old Aabhas Rana stunned the arm wrestling community by defeating the previously undefeated Mazahir Saidu in the 100 kg final, ending Saidu's long-standing dominance. In the women's category, Kerala's Joshya J achieved a breakthrough by winning gold and defeating two of India's top arm wrestlers, Yogesh Chaudhary and Nirmal Devi.
The National Armwrestling & Para-Armwrestling Championship serves as a crucial platform for Indian athletes to showcase their strength and technique. PAFI, the governing body, has been instrumental in promoting the sport and providing opportunities for athletes from diverse backgrounds to compete at the national level.
What It Means
Preeti Jhangiani, President of PAFI and Vice President of the Asian Armwrestling Federation (AAF), stated, "This championship has showcased the incredible depth of talent that now exists in Indian armwrestling. From established champions defending their legacy to young athletes producing upsets, we witnessed the future of the sport unfold before our eyes. We are proud to provide a platform where athletes from every background can compete and excel."
Our Final Thoughts
The 4th National Armwrestling & Para-Armwrestling Championship was a testament to the evolving nature of the sport in India. Kerala's consistent dominance is commendable, but the emergence of young talents like Aabhas Rana and Joshya J signals a shift in the competitive hierarchy. Yuvraj Verma's extraordinary feat in securing the Champion of Champions title further underscores the high caliber of athletes participating in these events. The upsets witnessed during the championship demonstrate that the sport is dynamic, and no title is truly safe. As PAFI continues its efforts to promote arm wrestling, the future of the sport in India appears robust, with a growing pool of athletes ready to challenge established norms and strive for excellence.