PEOPLE’S ARMWRESTLING FEDERATION OF INDIA (PAFI) has announced that India will host the World Armwrestling Championships in October 2026. The event is expected to attract 1,500–2,000 athletes from over 75 countries, competing across multiple weight and skill categories.
This milestone further strengthens India’s growing stature as a global force in armwrestling, following the successful hosting of the Asian Armwrestling Cup in Mumbai in 2024 and the Asian Armwrestling Championship 2025 in New Delhi.
In addition to international tournaments, India is also home to the Pro Panja League (PPL), the country’s professional platform for the sport, which has played a pivotal role in popularising armwrestling nationwide.
Hosting the World Championships represents a moment of pride for both PAFI and the nation. The federation has expressed its commitment to working closely with government authorities and stakeholders to deliver an event that celebrates the sport’s spirit and India’s hospitality.
World Armwrestling Federation president Assen Hadjitodorov said, “India’s rise in the global armwrestling community over the past five years has been nothing short of remarkable. Under the visionary leadership of Ms. Preeti Jhangiani, the People’s Armwrestling Federation of India (PAFI) has transformed the sport into a cultural and competitive force. Their commitment to excellence, authenticity, and athlete welfare was on full display during the Asian Armwrestling Championship, which left a lasting impression on all of us. It is with great pride and confidence that I announce India as the host of the 2026 World Armwrestling Championship. The World will witness not only elite competition, but also the spirit and hospitality that make India a true powerhouse in our sport.”
PAFI president Preeti Jhangiani shared, “To have the honour of being the host for the World ArmWrestling Championship is a matter of great pride, not only for our federation but also our country. This is the moment for India to shine in the armwrestling world and another chance to showcase itself as an emerging sporting nation. We look forward to this huge opportunity, and I am sure we will rise together to face any challenges that come our way.”
PPL co-founder Parvinn Dabass added, “We have been growing from strength to strength every year and we have seen a huge explosion of armwrestling events in India, which is reflected in the upward trend of participation numbers as well. We’re delighted with how the Pro Panja League has played it’s part in promoting the league in every corner of the country, and the rights of the World ArmWrestling Championship is going to further fuel the rise of the sport. This is also a huge opportunity for our athletes to gain international exposure on the world stage, while rubbing shoulders with the best athletes in the world.”
