Indian armwrestlers win 15 medals at World Championships 2024

In a sensational display at the World Armwrestling Championships, the Indian contingent bagged a total of 15 medals in Chisinau, Moldova.

The World Armwrestling Championships were held from 15-25 August. The Indian contingent was competing under the banner of the People’s Armwrestling Federation of India led by President Preeti Jhangiani.

That’s not all, there was a unique first for the country as Ibi Lollen from Arunachal Pradesh became the first woman referee to officiate in the World Championships.

Starina Jasain, who participated in the 60kg Grand Master category, put in an impressive performance from the get-go and bagged a Silver medal in the left-hand category, and a Bronze in the right-hand category.

Alphy Vargese returned with Silver in the left-hand category and Bronze in the right-hand category in the Grand Master division as well.

In the 80kg Grand Master category, India’s Mihsngewbha Rymbai showed grit and determination and made her way to the podium to grab two Silver medals in the left-hand and right-hand categories.

Meanwhile, Margaret Pathaw also finished her campaign with a couple of medals in the 60kg Master category, coming away with a Silver in the right-hand and a Bronze in the left-hand categories.

Over in the youth categories, Senebi Syngkli walked off the podium with two Bronze medals in the left and right-hand categories in the Youth Women 55kg category.

In the men’s division, Laxman Singh Bhandari, who has been appointed as the Head Referee of the Asian Armwrestling Federation, won a Silver medal in the right-hand Grandmaster category, while Shivprasad Sharma picked up the Bronze medal in the right-hand senior Grand Master category.

India were also on the podium in the Para-armwrestling championships, as Harsh Khodiar won Bronze in the PARA PIUH division (amputated right hand) and Hurbert Paliar (hearing disability) wrapped up his visit with a Bronze as well in Moldova.

“We are delighted that India’s had so much success at the World Armwrestling Championships in Moldova, across categories and genders. Such results can only inspire the next generations further, and encourage the current athletes to really improve their levels. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the whole contingent and believe that there is plenty more to be achieved in the future as well. I hope to see more and more youngsters taking up Armwrestling as a career option and not just a hobby,” said Preeti Jhangiani, President, the People’s Armwrestling Federation.

People’s Armwrestling Federation India (PAFI) is the sole Indian organisation with affiliation to the Asian Armwrestling Federation (AAF) and World Armwrestling Federation (WAF).