Mumbai, May 18 (H.S.): In a historic moment for Indian armwrestling, Delhi has been awarded the hosting rights for the 47th World Armwrestling Championship and the 28th Para Armwrestling Championship 2026. The prestigious tournament will be held from October 26 to November 7 at the The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel.
More than 2,000 athletes from over 75 countries are expected to participate in this world-class event, which is regarded as one of the biggest international competitions in the armwrestling world.
Notably, the same venue had earlier hosted the 2025 Asian Armwrestling and Para Armwrestling Championship, where India delivered an outstanding performance by winning a total of 176 medals across various categories, finishing second overall in the continental competition.
Assen Hadjitodorov, President of the World Armwrestling Federation, said, “I invite all the strongest athletes from around the world to participate in the World Championship in Delhi. We are expecting an exceptional event and wonderful hospitality from our friends in India. Let us all come together to make this championship memorable in Delhi.”
Preeti Jhangiani, President of the People’s Armwrestling Federation India (PAFI) and Vice President of the Asian Armwrestling Federation, said, “Hosting the World Armwrestling and Para Armwrestling Championship in India is an extremely proud moment for the sport and its athletes. Following the tremendous success of the 2025 Asian Championship, we are confident that Delhi will once again provide a world-class experience for players, officials, and fans.”
Parvin Dabas, co-founder of the Pro Panja League, said, “India is rapidly emerging as a major global hub for armwrestling. Hosting the World Championship reflects the growing popularity of the sport in the country and the years of dedicated effort by PAFI and the Pro Panja League. The overwhelming support received during the Asian Championship proved that India possesses the infrastructure, passion, and audience required to successfully host international-level sporting events.”
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
