Aizawl, November 2026: At 2 pm today, Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Sports and Youth Services Department, felicitated five Mizo athletes who won medals at the 47th World Arm Wrestling and 28th PARA Arm Wrestling Championship 2026. The felicitation programme was held at his office chamber in MINECO.
Sports Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar said, “As the person responsible for sports, we always look forward to occasions like this. We congratulate you for winning medals in a world-level competition, not just at the national level. You have brought recognition to Mizoram, and we are proud of you.”
He added, “We are not intending to make any formal announcements regarding rewards today. We are simply celebrating this happy occasion together over a cup of tea. You will receive the actual rewards when the Sports Incentive Cash Awards are distributed.” He assured the medal winners that they would receive their awards during the distribution of the Sports Incentive Cash Awards.
The 47th World Arm Wrestling and 28th PARA Arm Wrestling Championship 2026 was hosted by India and held in New Delhi from October 28 to November 7, 2026. Around 2,000 athletes from 65 countries participated in the competition. Around 260 athletes represented India, including 14 participants from Mizoram. Of these, five Mizo athletes won medals, bringing home a total of four gold medals, one silver medal and one bronze medal.
The medal winners are:
Reuben Lalhmangaihzuala, Lunglei – Gold Medal (Youth, 60 kg, Right Hand).
R. Lalpekhlua, Kolasib – Gold Medal (Junior, 60 kg, Right Hand).
B. Lalpekhlua, Lunglei – Gold Medal (Sub-Junior, 55 kg, Right Hand).
Laithansanga, Salem Veng, Aizawl – Silver Medal (Youth, 55 kg, Right Hand).
Laithansanga, Salem Veng, Aizawl – Bronze Medal (Youth, 55 kg, Left Hand).
Vanramnghaki, Melthum – Gold Medal (PARA, 65 kg and above, Right Hand).
The Sports Minister further said, “Although arm wrestling has not yet been recognised by the Indian Olympic Association as a sport, it is among the disciplines being considered for inclusion in the upcoming National Games. If it is included in the National Games, it will become a discipline in which Mizoram can confidently expect to win medals. This will enhance our standing, and the sport will continue to progress. If it is included in the 2032 Paralympic Games, preparations can also be initiated with that objective in mind.”
Encouraging the Mizo athletes, he said, “If arm wrestling is included in the National Games, other states will also enter the competition seriously, and our current position may not remain the same. We need to carefully consider whether we will continue to be among the best in India at that time. Therefore, we must work even harder.”
During the felicitation programme, Pu Joseph K. Lalmuanpuia, President of the Mizoram Arm Wrestling Association, presented a brief report on the competition. He said that although arm wrestling has not yet been recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, it is a rapidly growing and increasingly popular sport. He expressed the view that if it is included in the National Games, it could become a promising medal-winning discipline for Mizoram. He also thanked the Sports Minister for providing the financial assistance required for participation in the competition.
Pu Albert Lalnunpuia, Senior Sports Promotion Officer from the Mizoram State Sports Council, and office-bearers of the Mizoram Arm Wrestling Association were also present at today's felicitation programme.
