Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games: Para Arm Wrestling Meets IPC Worldwide Reach Requirement.

Mumbai; May 2026: The People’s Arm-Wrestling Federation India (PAFI) and the Pro Panja League are delighted to share that Para Arm-Wrestling has officially met the worldwide reach requirement set by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games, as confirmed by the World Arm-Wrestling Federation (WAF).

Following the submission of additional participation data by WAF, the IPC confirmed that Para Arm-Wrestling now exceeds the minimum benchmark of 32 countries with regular and widespread participation, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s journey towards potential Paralympic inclusion, according to a release. The development is being seen as a major boost for India’s medal prospects at future Paralympic Games, with the country already possessing a strong and growing talent pool in Para Arm-Wrestling.

Over the last few years, PAFI and the Pro Panja League have consistently worked towards creating a professional platform for Para Athletes by including dedicated Para Arm-Wrestling categories across both seasons of the Pro Panja League, as well as during Mega Matches conducted in different regions of India. Through these initiatives, several talented Para Arm-Wrestlers including Chandan Kumar Behera, Butta Singh, Srinivas BV, Mohan Sharma, Arvind Rajak and others have been identified and given opportunities to compete on a national stage, helping expand the ecosystem and visibility of the sport in India.

Speaking on the development, Parvin Dabass, Co-Founder of Pro Panja League, said, “This is a landmark moment not just for global Arm-Wrestling, but especially for India. We have seen tremendous talent emerge in the Para category through the Pro Panja League and our Mega Matches across the country. From the very beginning, we believed Para Arm-Wrestling deserved equal visibility and opportunity, which is why we ensured its inclusion in every season of the league. If Para Arm-Wrestling becomes part of the Paralympics in Brisbane 2032, India will certainly have a strong chance of winning multiple medals”.

Preeti Jhangiani, President of the People’s Arm-Wrestling Federation India, Vice President of Asian Arm-Wrestling Federation (AAF), added, “India has always been home to incredible Para sporting talent, and arm wrestling is no different. The response we have received from Para athletes across states has been extremely encouraging. This recognition from the IPC showcases the growth of the sport globally and motivates us to continue building more opportunities for Para Arm-Wrestlers in India. We are confident that with the right support and exposure, Indian athletes can become global champions in the sport”.

Earlier, on 29th January this year (2026), The People’s Arm-Wrestling 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-Arm-Wrestling in the country, according to a release. The affiliation represents a major step forward for Para Arm-Wrestling in India, strengthening its pathway towards structured competition, athlete development, and long-term inclusion in the global Paralympic ecosystem.

Arm-Wrestling has already gained important international momentum, having been included in the recent Asian Youth Para Games 2025 in Dubai. It is also one of the few sports in which Paralympic athletes compete in the main competition. Building on this progress, PAFI now looks ahead to the sport’s inclusion in the Asian Para Games and the Asian Games.

In India, PAFI and Pro Panja League have demonstrated dedicated support for Para Athletes, with special categories integrated into the league and across state championships. The Pro Panja League has ensured inclusivity by bringing male, female, and Para Athletes to compete on the same platform, with Para Athletes paid equally based on their rankings, in line with all other athletes”. Together, PAFI and the Pro Panja League have played a crucial role in creating a sustainable ecosystem for Para Arm-Wrestlers, providing them with structured tournaments, visibility, and professional opportunities, and ensuring that domestic competitions meet international standards.

On the occasion on 29th January 2026, Preeti Jhangiani, President of the People’s Arm-Wrestling Federation India (PAFI), Vice President of the Asian Arm-Wrestling Federation (AAF), and Co-Founder of the Pro Panja League stated, “We are deeply honoured to receive official recognition from the Paralympic Committee of India as the official governing body for Arm-Wrestling in India. This milestone is not just an achievement for PAFI but a validation of our unwavering commitment to transparent governance, athlete welfare and inclusive growth It strengthens our resolve to create fair opportunities and a clear pathway for Indian Arm-Wrestlers to represent the nation with pride at national and international platforms”.

Devendra Jhajharia, President of the Paralympic Committee of India, had then said, ”I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the People’s Arm-Wrestling Federation India (PAFI) on receiving official recognition from the Paralympic Committee of India. This recognition stands as a powerful affirmation of PAFI’s sustained efforts to promote and grow the sport of Arm-Wrestling for para athletes, while providing them a credible, competitive platform and treating them on par with able-bodied athletes. It reflects the federation’s commitment to inclusivity, structured development, and excellence, and marks an important step in strengthening India’s presence in Arm-Wrestling at both national and international levels”.

Team Maverick.