Srinagar, Jan 12: The 5th Jammu and Kashmir State Arm Wrestling Championship, held for over two days, concluded successfully, with over 300 participants competing in 40 categories on Sunday.
The event, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Arm Wrestling Association under the banner of the People’s Arm Wrestling Federation India (PAFI), attracted a diverse range of athletes, including male and female competitors across sub-junior, junior, youth, senior, and para-athlete categories.
Notable achievements included the crowning of Tajamul Bilal and Abu Ikram as Champions of the Year in the Youth and Senior categories, and Junior respectively. A special highlight was the inclusion of 10 para-athletes and 15 female participants, showcasing the growing inclusivity and appeal of the sport.
The championship served as a crucial qualifier for the upcoming National Arm-Wrestling Championship, with the top two medallists from each category securing spots at the national level, set to take place in the coming months.
PAFI President Preeti Jhangiani and Parvin Dabas, Co-Founder of the Pro Panja League, graced the closing ceremony with their presence. They emphasized the abundant talent in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in arm wrestling, and praised the sport’s potential to steer youth away from social vices, including drug abuse.
Dabas noted, “Arm wrestling is an indigenous Indian sport, and it helps young athletes stay focused and away from negative influences.” He said Kashmir is home to immense talent, and arm wrestling is a testament to the region’s sporting potential. Dabas stated that the athletes here demonstrate incredible strength, skill, and determination. “It’s inspiring to witness such dedication to the sport. We believe that events like these will continue to foster a sense of discipline among the youth, guiding them away from negative influences. The beauty and raw energy of Kashmir makes it an ideal location for not only sports but also for film shoots, and we hope to see more of such initiatives in the future,” he said.
Jhangiani also said: “The talent in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in arm wrestling, is truly remarkable. We have witnessed some outstanding performances here, and it’s clear that this region has a bright future in the sport. Arm wrestling is not just a competition; it’s a way to keep young minds focused, disciplined, and away from harmful distractions like drugs. I am incredibly proud of the athletes here, and I’m confident that they will make their mark at the national level. This is just the beginning for Kashmir’s arm-wrestling community, and we are committed to supporting their growth.”
She highlighted the region’s beauty, adding, “Kashmir is an ideal location for film shoots, and Bollywood should consider shooting more here instead of abroad.”
Jammu and Kashmir Arm Wrestling Association President, Farooq Ahmad Dar, expressed his gratitude for the event’s success, stating, “The primary goal of this competition is to promote fitness among the youth and keep them away from drugs and other social evils.”
The event also saw the presence of Divisional Sports Officer Nusrat Ghazala, founding member of the Arm-Wrestling Association, Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar, and coach Showkat Ahmad Narwari, who all praised the championship’s organization and its positive impact on local youth. The event has not only raised the profile of arm wrestling in the region but also set the stage for the future development of the sport in Jammu and Kashmir.
