Bringing Arm Wrestling to the Mainstream

Pravin Dabas and Preeti Jhangian, two enthusiastic Bollywood stars with a few arm wrestlers, created a league to promote the sport of arm wrestling in India. The Pro Panja was designed to give arm wrestlers in India a platform to showcase their talents and compete professionally. The association has helped to raise the profile of arm wrestling in India and bring it into the mainstream of sports. Arm wrestling has been a popular sport in the US and Europe and has recently gained popularity in India through the Pro Panja League. India was also one of the four original countries to establish an arm wrestling federation. Surabhi Goel in conversation with Pravin Dabas and Preeti Jhangiani, who brought the Pro Panja league to the forefront.

- Surabhi Goel

PPL's Journey to Success 

While talking about PPL, Pravin tells us, "The idea about Pro Panja league started in 2017 from starting the process, forming the teams, collaborating with Indian Arm Wrestling Federation to the launch. The formal launch happened on February 29, 2020, in Thyagaraj Stadium, New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Former Sports Minister Kiren Rijuju and Olympic champion Vijender Singh, and it was a great success. Since then, PPL has continued to grow and expand."

Pravin mentions that the Pro Panja League (PPL) faced many challenges due to the lockdown that occurred soon after the league's launch. Despite this, the PPL was able to hold successful events in Mumbai at the Gateway of India and in Goa on a casino boat, but the lockdowns made it challenging to plan and schedule events. The uncertainty caused by the lockdowns was a significant challenge for PPL. Yet, they continued to strategize and adapt to the situation, recognizing that the world was dealing with a lot, and it was impossible to feel bad for themselves.

Arm Wrestling gets a Makeover