MG University, University of Calicut crowned champions at All India University Armwrestling Championship
Aligarh, March 18
The All India University Armwrestling Championship, held at Maharana Pratap University in Aligarh, concluded successfully with MG University, Kottayam, clinching the Overall Team Championship in the men's category, while the University of Calicut, Kerala, emerged victorious in the women's category.
According to a press release, the tournament marked a historic moment for the sport as Armwrestling was introduced into the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) for the very first time, providing a major boost to the grassroots development of the sport across the country.
In the men's overall team standings, MG University, Kottayam, Kerala, secured the top spot after a series of strong performances throughout the championship. Mizoram University, Aizawl, finished as the Runner-Up, while Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh University, Aligarh, claimed the second runner-up position.
Meanwhile, in the women's overall team championship, the University of Calicut, Kerala, delivered an impressive performance to emerge as champions. MG University, Kottayam, finished as the Runner-Up, while Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh University, Aligarh, secured the second runner-up position.
The championship witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 450 students from 52 universities across India, highlighting the growing popularity of Armwrestling among young athletes.
The final day was attended by Prof. Naima Khatoon, Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, as the Chief Guest. The event was also graced by Vijaya Singh, Zila Panchayat Adhyaksh, and Prof. Narendra Bahadur Singh, Vice Chancellor of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh State University, who attended as Guests of Honour.
Speaking after the successful conclusion of the championship, Parvinn Dabass, Co-Founder of the Pro Panja League, said, "This championship is exactly the kind of platform the sport needed at the grassroots level. When you bring Armwrestling into universities, you are opening the door for thousands of young athletes who may never have had the opportunity to compete in the sport before. Congratulations to all the winners."
Preeti Jhangiani, President of the People's Armwrestling Federation India (PAFI) and Vice President of the Asian Armwrestling Federation (AAF), spoke on similar lines and added, "Seeing such strong participation from universities across India is extremely encouraging, and the talent we have seen here from across universities shows that India has immense potential in Armwrestling."
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is fantastic news! Including armwrestling in AIU events is a brilliant move. It gives so many students a new avenue in sports. Congratulations to all the winners and participants!
450 students from 52 universities is no small number. Shows the sport is catching on fast. Hope to see Indian armwrestlers on the Asian and world stage soon. Well done to the organizers in Aligarh.
So happy to see women's championship getting equal focus! University of Calicut women, you've made us proud. More such platforms are needed for female athletes across all sports.
Great initiative, but I hope the infrastructure and proper training follows. Often these sports get a one-time boost and then fizzle out. Need sustained support from universities and federations.
Impressive to see Mizoram University as runner-up in men's category! Good to see talent emerging from the Northeast as well. A truly national championship.
Heartening to see Prof. Naima Khatoon as Chief Guest. Representation matters. Congrats to all the young athletes! May your wrists grow stronger 💪
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