So Kerala has done it again ah . Defending their title at the 4th National Armwrestling & Para-Armwrestling Championship for second year straight is not small thing .
And this was a proper national level event,organized by Armwrestling Sports Association Gujarat . Athletes from all over India were there,competing under the People's Armwrestling Federation India,or PAFI .
But main story for me is one guy,Yuvraj Verma . He was the one who won Senior Men's Champion of Champions title .
Basically he first won his own 110 kg category,and then he had to beat champions from all lighter weight classes also . In the grand final he defeated Aabhas Rana . And get this,he won gold medals for both his right-hand and left-hand in the 110 kg category only . That's just pure dominance.
And honestly,this is where things get really interesting .
The whole championship was full of surprises,not just one person dominating.
- Aabhas Rana caused huge upset by beating the undefeated Mazahir Saidu in 100 kg final .
- Madhura Hassan became Women's Champion of Champions,showing amazing skill .
- event really highlighted that future of Indian armwrestling looks very bright.
In the women's division also,Madhura Hassan was the one to watch . She became the Women's Champion of Champions after beating K Lalhriatpuii from Mizoram in the final.
But that upset victory by Aabhas Rana over Mazahir Saidu is what people are talking about . Saidu was undefeated for long time,so this is a big shake-up in the 100 kg category.
Even the PAFI President,Preeti Jhangiani,sounded very happy with the competition . She said,"This championship has showcased incredible depth of talent that now exists in Indian armwrestling . From established champions defending their legacy to young athletes producing upsets,we witnessed future of sport unfold before our eyes."
It really feels like the sport is growing in India . So many new names coming up,beating old champions… it’s exciting to see. Makes you wonder what will happen next year…
