7 months ago
PAFI Receives PCI Affiliation for Para-Armwrestling
The People’s Armwrestling Federation of India (PAFI) has been officially recognized by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).
This is a big deal because it helps para-armwrestling grow in India.
PAFI and the Pro Panja League have been working hard to include para athletes in their competitions, treating them equally and giving them the same opportunities as able-bodied athletes.
This recognition is a step towards including para-armwrestling in big international events like the Paralympic Games.
Important people like Preeti Jhangiani and Devendra Jhajharia have praised this achievement, saying it shows commitment to fairness and excellence in the sport.
PAFI received official affiliation from PCI on January 29, 2026, in Mumbai.
This affiliation is a significant milestone for the growth of para-armwrestling in India.
PAFI and the Pro Panja League have been supporting para athletes by including them in domestic leagues and championships.
Para-armwrestling has been included in the Asian Youth Para Games 2025 and aims for inclusion in the Asian Para Games and Asian Games.
The affiliation strengthens the pathway for para-armwrestling to be included in the Paralympic Games.
- Who
- People’s Armwrestling Federation of India (PAFI) and Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)
- What
- PAFI received official affiliation from PCI
- Where
- Mumbai, India
- When
- January 29, 2026
- Why
- To boost the growth and formal recognition of para-armwrestling in India
Key facts
- Organization
- People’s Armwrestling Federation of India (PAFI)
- Affiliation Received From
- Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)
- Date
- January 29, 2026
- Location
- Mumbai, India
- Significant Event
- Inclusion in Asian Youth Para Games 2025
- League Support
- Pro Panja League
- Key Figures
- Preeti Jhangiani (PAFI President), Devendra Jhajharia (PCI President)
Quotes
Preeti Jhangiani
President of the People’s Armwrestling Federation of India (PAFI), Vice President of the Asian Armwrestling Federation (AAF), and Co-Founder of the Pro Panja League
“We are deeply honoured to receive official recognition from the Paralympic Committee of India as the official governing body for armwrestling 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 armwrestlers to represent the nation with pride at national and international platforms.”
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Devendra Jhajharia
President of the Paralympic Committee of India
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the People’s Armwrestling Federation of 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 armwrestling 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 armwrestling at both national and international levels.”
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