Sports Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar Announces Incentive Cash Award For Medalists In Asian Arm-Wrestling International Cup

Aizawl : Today morning at 10:00, Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of State for Sports & Youth Services, organized a ceremony at his office in MINECO to honor Mizo athletes who brought home medals in the October Asian Arm Wrestling International Cup. In this event, besides the medalists, officials from the Sports & Youth Services Department, People’s Armwrestling Federation of India, and Mizoram Arm Wrestling Association were also present.

At the competition held in Mumbai from October 19 to 26, Denic Lalruattluanga from Mizoram won the gold medal in the Senior Men 80 kg category. Benjamin Lalawmpuia won a silver medal in the Senior Men 100 kg category, and Vanramnghaki won silver medals in the Women’s 80 kg category in both right-hand and left-hand events, along with a bronze in the Para Women category. In his congratulatory message, the Minister said, “I am greatly pleased that we are honoring the achievements of our young people today and recognizing them through social media as well.”

Sports Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar said that the Sports Incentive Cash Award system for athletes would be properly set up. He stated that the awards would include not only Olympic-level competitions but also non-Olympic sports disciplines. “Next year, those competing at the Olympic level will have a changed status, and because only official Olympic disciplines will be eligible, the Mizoram State Sports Council will cover the incentives for all 33 associations it governs,” he stated. Clarifying the incentive structure, he added, “Incentives will be 50% lower for non-Olympic disciplines than for Olympic ones.”

Regarding the importance of supporting and recognizing the efforts of athletes, the Sports Minister said, “From the beginning, MAWA and other athletes have worked closely with us, and we are hopeful that the community will continue to give significant support. However, working within government systems requires learning and abiding by established procedures, so we are committed to ensuring the regulations align with fair considerations. Likewise, we are also revising the support criteria to align with these principles,” he added.

Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar also announced that Mizoram would soon achieve international recognition in arm wrestling. This December, a Pro Panja Mega Match Mizoram tournament will be held in Aizawl, Mizoram, where arm wrestlers from around the world will compete with Mizo arm wrestlers. Gold medalist Denic Lalruattluanga will also participate, competing on the world stage as an elite arm wrestler through Pro Panja.

In this event, Parvin Dabas, the founder of India’s premier arm wrestling league, Pro Panja League, and PAFI President Preeti Jhangiani, were also present. PPL founder Parvin Dabas said, “Seeing the appreciation from the people for Denic and his teammates makes me proud, and it’s inspiring to see the progress of arm wrestling. Arm wrestling is a physically protective combat sport, and Pro Panja League is currently India’s fastest-growing sports league, with about 32 teams. Official representatives and top arm wrestlers from around the world are eager to participate, and we are pleased to partner with Sony for broadcasting.” He further acknowledged the strong presence of Mizo athletes in the growth of arm wrestling in India and expressed gratitude to the Mizoram government for its continued support to the People’s Armwrestling Federation of India.

In today’s program, Pu Philip Lalbiakchama, General Secretary of the Mizoram Arm Wrestling Association, also provided a report, while the medalists shared their experiences.