Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 30 (HBTV): The People’s Armwrestling Federation of India (PAFI) has received official affiliation from the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), marking a significant milestone in the growth and formal recognition of para-armwrestling in the country, according to a release.
The affiliation is expected to strengthen pathways for structured competition, athlete development and long-term inclusion of para-armwrestling within the global Paralympic ecosystem.
Armwrestling has gained international momentum in recent years, having been included in the Asian Youth Para Games 2025 in Dubai. It is also among the few sports in which Paralympic athletes compete in the main competition. Building on this progress, PAFI is now looking towards the sport’s inclusion in the Asian Para Games and the Asian Games.
In India, PAFI and the Pro Panja League have supported para-athletes by integrating special categories within the league and state championships. The Pro Panja League has brought male, female and para-athletes onto the same platform, with para-athletes paid equally based on their rankings, in line with other competitors.
Together, PAFI and the Pro Panja League have worked to create a sustainable ecosystem for para-armwrestlers by providing structured tournaments, visibility and professional opportunities, while ensuring domestic competitions meet international standards.
PAFI President Preeti Jhangiani said the recognition was a validation of the federation’s commitment to transparent governance, athlete welfare and inclusive growth. She said the affiliation would strengthen efforts to create fair opportunities and a clear pathway for Indian armwrestlers to represent the country at national and international platforms.
Paralympic Committee of India President Devendra Jhajharia congratulated PAFI on receiving official recognition, calling it an affirmation of the federation’s sustained efforts to promote armwrestling for para-athletes. He said the move reflected PAFI’s commitment to inclusivity, structured development and excellence, and marked an important step in strengthening India’s presence in armwrestling at both national and international levels. (ANI)