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 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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 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. 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.

 

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