Delhi to host World Armwrestling, Para Armwrestling Championships 2026 from October 26 to November 7
New Delhi, May 18
In a landmark moment for Indian Armwrestling, Delhi has been announced as the host city for the 47th World Armwrestling & 28th Para Armwrestling Championships 2026, scheduled to take place from October 26 to November 7 at the Leela Ambience Convention Hotel.
The prestigious championship is expected to witness participation from more than 75 countries and over 2000 athletes from across the world, making it one of the biggest international sporting events in the discipline, according to a press release.
Notably, the Leela Ambience Convention Hotel had previously hosted the 2025 Asian Armwrestling & Para Armwrestling Championship, where India produced a historic performance by clinching an impressive 176 medals across categories and finishing second in the continental competition.
On the occassion, Assen Hadjitodorov, President, World Armwrestling Federation, stated, "I would like to invite all the strongest arms to the World Championships in Delhi. We expect a great organisation and very kind hospitality from our friends in India. So let's all go to Delhi and make an unforgettable event."
Speaking on the announcement, Preeti Jhangiani, President of the People's Armwrestling Federation India (PAFI) and Vice President of the Asian Armwrestling Federation (AAF) said, "Bringing the World Armwrestling & Para Armwrestling Championships to India is a monumental moment for the sport and for our athletes. After the incredible success of the Asian Championship in 2025 at the same venue, we are confident that Delhi will once again deliver a world-class experience for athletes, officials and fans from across the globe."
Parvinn Dabass, Co-Founder of the Pro Panja League, echoed the sentiment and stated, "India has rapidly become one of the most exciting destinations for armwrestling globally. Hosting the World Championships is a testament to the growth of the sport in the country and the hard work put in by PAFI and Pro Panja League over the years. The response we received during the Asian Championships proved that India has the infrastructure, passion and audience to stage international armwrestling events successfully. We look forward to welcoming the world to Delhi."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Amazing opportunity for para-athletes to compete on home soil. The inclusivity of hosting Para Armwrestling alongside the main event is truly commendable. Hope the government ensures proper accessibility at the venue.
Fantastic! But we need to seriously upgrade Delhi's logistics—traffic, air quality, and hotel bookings for international delegates. The Leela Ambience is good, but can it handle 2000+ athletes smoothly? Let's not just celebrate the announcement but ensure flawless execution. Our hospitality is world-class, but our urban infrastructure still needs work. 🤔
Time to show the world what Indian armwrestlers are made of! The Asian Championships were just a trailer, this will be the full blockbuster. Panja League has done wonders for the sport. Hopefully, more youngsters take up armwrestling after this. Jab tak baithoge nahi, tab tak champion nahi banoge! 😎
Great to see niche sports getting international recognition in India. However, I wonder if the event timing in late October/early November will face air pollution issues—Delhi's air quality is usually poor then. Hope organizers have contingency plans for athletes' health.
As someone who follows international armwrestling, this is a big deal. Delhi hosted a great Asian Championship last year. The Indian athletes are technically sound and the crowd energy is unmatched. Looking forward to seeing how the US, Europe, and India compete. Should be epic! 🏆
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