Shillong, Dec 21: The two – day thrilling Shillong Arm Fight 2023 – All India Championship, concluded on Thursday as arm wrestlers from the region and other parts of the nation competed against each other for glory.

The event for skill, strength and perseverance was held at U Soso Tham Auditorium, organised BAM and TWS in association with People’s Armwrestling Federation India (PAFI) and supported by Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya.

Was even more pleased to see our Para Athletes also participating in the championship and showing their strength of might and confidence. Congratulate the organisers for making the competition a truly inclusive one.

I congratulate all the winners and the participants. As a… pic.twitter.com/bYZ4rvTdC4

— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) December 21, 2023

Speaking on the concluding day, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma spoke at length about State’s commitment to promote sports. “In the last five years, we have made a concerted effort to promote different sports activities and have been upgrading our sports infrastructure. We have hosted several national events in the State capital like the Grandmaster Chess Tournament, which concluded yesterday,” he said.

“All India National Boxing Championship, All India Table Tennis Championship were other national level competitions which were held in Shillong. It is truly delightful to witness that Meghalaya is becoming a preferred destination for sports,” he added.

Talking about the state’s commitment towards sports and youth, he said, “We strongly feel that sports is an area which should be promoted and arm wrestling is also on the map and in future also hope this programme continues,” he said.

He also recalled his school days and the tradition of arm wrestling in School. He said that in Shillong, he was always defeated but when he was in Delhi, he defeated others. Talking about this he said that youth in Meghalaya have inherent strength and talent.

Further talking about the natural talents the people of region have, he said, “Our children, our people have certain strength, we have a certain advantage in certain ways and I feel that am wrestling could one area where our youngsters can really shine.”

Talking about the huge talent pool in sports, he spoke about Star Programme through which sports talents are being identified and trained. “Close to 25,000 young potential children have been screened so far and this exercise is continuing as we speak. Strengths of the various youth are identified and relevant training are being imparted,” he said.

He further said that 12 super athletes have been identified through this programme, who are being given special training. “We have identified talented whose calibre are at par with international standard, however, they require certain skill set and training, so that they are able to compete in national and international events,” he said, while mentioning about a 14 year old girl from the state who is all set to break the National Record for Long Jump.”

President of People’s Armwrestling Federation India, Preeti Jhangiani, had all praise for women athletes of Meghalaya. She informed that India has etched a name for itself in professional arm wrestling and the next Asian level arm wrestling will be held in India.

A notable feature of the Shillong Arm Fight 2023 was the inclusion of the para-athletes in the competition.

In the men’s category Dipankar Mech from Assam, was declared as the champion of champions, while in women’s category Yogesh Choudhury from Haryana wad declared as the champion of champions.

List of Winners here:
Para Sitting (Right) Men
1. Hubert L Nonglait
2. Graham Jones Kharbani
3. Nangsan Kupar K Warjri
Para Sitting (Left) Men
1. Graham Jones Kharbani
2. Wallambok L. Marbaniang
Para Standing (VI) Men
1. Johnborlang Pyngrope
2. Nihi Lamare
3. Marelad Kanai

Para Standing Men
1. Hubert Paliar
2. Banshanlang Terang
3. Maimai Laloo
Men 55 kg
1. Daniel Nongkhlaw
2. Hubert Paliar
3. Banshanlang Terang
Men 65 kg
1. Nilay Sankar (Assam)
2. Rasedul Ali (Assam)
3. Revel Bornstar Snaitang
Men 75 kg
1. Deepankar Mech
2. Jackson Lyngdoh
3. Alexion Roy Mylliem Umlong
Men 85 kg
1. Tridip Medhi
2. Alan S Marbaniang
3. Kishore Chettri
Men 85+ kg
1. Bakham Maian Khongwir
2. Banbatjuban Khongwir
3. Ishan Kashyap
Women 50 kg
1. Angelis Kharumnuid
2. Airikmen Shabong
3. Milarita Lyngdoh Nongbri
Women 55 kg
1. Bandarika Kharkongor
2. Senebi Syngkli
3. Angel Mary Mylliem Umlong
Women 60 kg
1. Wandalin Syiemiong
2. Payal Bhommick (Assam)
3. Olivia Dkhar
Women 65 kg
1. Margareth Pathaw
2. Aiboklin Rina
3. Yimri Jagoi
Women 65+ kg
1. Yogesh Choudhury
2. Soram Rani
3. Ribasuk Lyngdoh Mawphlang

Champion of Champion (Women): Yogesh Choudhury
Champion of Champion (Men): Deepankar Mech

Also Read: MCA holds AGM; resolves to open junior cricket academies in all districts

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