The eighth edition of the Asian Arm-Wrestling Cup, alongside the seventh edition of the Asian Para-Arm Wrestling Cup, has officially launched at the Aurika Hotel in Mumbai. This prestigious tournament features around 350-400 international athletes and over 800 Indian arm wrestlers, with the event set to conclude on October 26th.
Notable attendees included the Co-Founders of the Pro Panja League, Mr. Parvinn Dabass and Preeti Jhangiani, along with the cast of “Khosla Ka Ghosla,” featuring the legendary Anupam Kher, Kiran Juneja, and Tara Sharma. They served as chief guests for the tournament’s opening ceremony.
Speaking at the event, veteran actor Anupam Kher highlighted arm wrestling’s accessibility, stating, “In small towns, where people couldn’t afford fancy sports, arm wrestling was a popular choice. It’s the easiest game to play; you only need your arms.”
Kher praised the efforts of Parvinn and Preeti in promoting the Asian Arm-Wrestling Cup in India. “The turnout from countries like Japan, Jordan, Uzbekistan, and Thailand reflects the sport’s rich history and growing interest. Its association with the Paralympics makes it even more significant. The energy and grandeur with which this event has been organized, along with keeping India’s culture in mind with the dhols, it brings me great joy,” he added.
Parvinn Dabass remarked on the significance of hosting the event in India after a long hiatus, emphasizing its impact on the sport’s popularity. “With athletes from 9-10 countries participating, it’s incredible to see India’s strong arm-wrestling community. Our efforts over the past few years are finally paying off,” he stated.
Dabass also noted the sport’s role in promoting gender equality. “Few sports allow athletes and para-athletes to compete on the same platform. Our Pro Panja League is one of those rare leagues where men, women, and specially-abled athletes can compete together. Since 2020, we’ve ensured equal pay for all participants, which fosters inclusivity. Our aim has always been to create a supportive community for athletes, and we are proud of this progress,” he concluded.
