RRU Hosts National Armwrestling Championship
4th National Armwrestling & Para Armwrestling Championship Inaugurated at Rashtriya Raksha University
In pursuance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of strengthening India’s sports culture and reviving the country’s civilisational values and ethos through discipline, fitness and excellence, Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) has inaugurated the 4th National Armwrestling & Para Armwrestling Championship 2026 at its Gandhinagar campus. The championship is being organised jointly by Rashtriya Raksha University, the Armwrestling Federation of Gujarat, and the People’s Armwrestling Federation of India from 29 May to 2 June 2026. The event is expected to witness participation of more than 2,000 athletes representing 27 States, making it one of the largest armwrestling championships organised in the country to date.
The championship comes at a time when armwrestling is growing rapidly across India. Over the last few years, the sport has moved beyond local competitions and gained national attention through organised leagues, social media campaigns and professional events. Sports promoters and former athletes have played an important role in bringing armwrestling into the public eye, especially among young people who are looking for new sporting opportunities.
From Rashtriya Raksha University, Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel delivered the keynote address, highlighting India’s rising global sporting performance and sports as a pillar of national development. Dr Dharmesh K. Prajapati, Registrar; Prof. (Dr.) Kalpesh H. Wandra, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Mr Yash Sharma, Director, School of Physical Education and Sports; and Sports Training Officer Mr Kalpesh Sharma were present on the occasion, along with other senior dignitaries of the University.
Prof. Patel’s remarks reflect a larger trend in India’s sporting journey. In recent years, the country has increased its focus on sports infrastructure, athlete development and international competitions. Universities and educational institutions are now playing a greater role in building sports culture by providing training facilities, research support and competitive platforms for athletes.
Actor Suniel Shetty, through his message, motivated youth across the country to actively participate in sports and be part of such national platforms, underlining the importance of fitness, discipline and determination in shaping a stronger India.
His message connects with a growing movement that encourages fitness among young Indians. Sports experts often point out that participation in competitive sports helps improve physical health, confidence, teamwork and mental strength. National championships such as this one provide athletes with a chance to test their abilities while inspiring others to take up sports seriously.
Prominent personalities from the armwrestling fraternity are associated with the event, including Ms Preeti Jhangiani, President of the People’s Armwrestling Federation India, and Mr Praveen Dabas of the Pro Panja League, along with office-bearers and representatives of the Armwrestling Association of Gujarat.
Preeti Jhangiani and Parvin Dabas have become recognised faces in the development of organised armwrestling in India. Through the Pro Panja League and related initiatives, they have worked to give athletes professional exposure and wider recognition. The league has helped introduce the sport to millions of viewers through television broadcasts and digital platforms. Several athletes from small towns and rural regions have also gained visibility through these competitions, creating new opportunities for talent from across the country.
The scale of participation in this year’s event demonstrates the rapid growth of armwrestling across the country. The championship builds upon the momentum generated by the 3rd PAFI National Armwrestling Championship held in Thrissur, Kerala, which had recorded participation from around 1,700 athletes representing 25 States. The current edition at RRU, with over 2,000 athletes from 27 States, represents a notable expansion in both outreach and competitive engagement.
The increase in participation reflects how quickly the sport is expanding. More State associations are becoming active, while training centres and local competitions are helping athletes prepare for national-level events. The inclusion of Para Armwrestling has also widened participation and created an important platform for athletes with disabilities to compete at a high level.
Hosting this national championship reinforces RRU’s growing institutional capacity to organise large-scale sporting events. It also forms part of the University’s long-term vision as it prepares to host the 2029 World Police and Fire Games.
The preparation for the 2029 World Police and Fire Games is already attracting attention across India. Rashtriya Raksha University has been entrusted with hosting several sporting disciplines during the international event. Reports indicate that the University is strengthening its sports infrastructure, research facilities and volunteer programmes to meet global standards. The World Police and Fire Games are expected to bring thousands of athletes from dozens of countries, making it one of the biggest international sporting events ever hosted in Gujarat.
The initiative aligns with Gujarat’s expanding role in the national and global sports ecosystem, including Ahmedabad’s aspiration to host the 2036 Olympic Games. The championship also complements Gujarat’s growing contribution to India’s sports ecosystem and the larger vision of strengthening sporting infrastructure, participation and excellence across disciplines.
Gujarat has steadily emerged as a major destination for sporting events. The successful hosting of national competitions, investment in world-class venues and support from public institutions have strengthened the State’s sporting profile. Many sports administrators believe these efforts will support India’s ambition to host larger international events in the coming years.
In this context, initiatives of this nature contribute meaningfully to the creation of a robust sporting culture and support wider national aspirations in the field of sports development. With thousands of athletes competing under one roof, the 4th National Armwrestling & Para Armwrestling Championship stands as a strong example of how emerging sports are finding a place in India’s growing sporting landscape while encouraging fitness, discipline and excellence among the nation’s youth.
