Governing Body

Mrs. Preeti Jhangiani

President

She is one of the biggest names in the Indian cinema, but now she adorns an entrepreneurial hat. She co-founded Pro Panja League, which is currently the biggest Arm wrestling league in the world. It was founded in 2020 and has quickly become the top name in the Arm wrestling world. She was named the President of the Maharashtra Arm-Wrestling Association.

Dr. Shrikant Varankar

Working President

Dr Shrikant Varankar deserves a big credit for the growth of the sport in Maharashtra. Dr Shrikant is currently the General Secretary of Maharashtra Arm Wrestling Association and Senior Vice president of Indian Arm Wrestling Federation. He is also the General Secretary of World Yoga Sports Federation, Asian Strengthlifting Federation, Indian Pole Sports Association. He also serves as the treasurer for World Strengthlifting Federation.

Mr. Pravin Dabas

He is well known as actor, director and model, who works predominantly in Hindi and English language films. He is spouse of Mrs Preeti Jhangiani President of PAFI.

He is co-founder of Pro Panja League. India’s first professional armwretling league which gave traditional sport a commercial platform. In the realm of sports, innovation and evolution are constants that drive the excitement and interest of spectators. One such groundbreaking addition to the sporting landscape is the Pro Panja League, a riveting and electrifying take on the traditional sport of arm wrestling. Born out of a desire to showcase raw power, technique, and athleticism, the Pro Panja League has been captivating audiences worldwide since its inception. Actor and entrepreneur Mr. Suniel Shetty has also picked up a minority stake in Pro Panja League.

Dr. Praveen Singh Jadon

Joint Secretary

Dr. Praveen Kumar Singh Jadon is a distinguished Sports Professional, Educator, Researcher, Organiser and Administrator specializing in Sports Management, Sports Training, Health Education, Fitness etc. With a rich academic background including a D.Litt & Ph.D.,he has served as an Head of the Department at KA (PG) College, Kasganj since 2007. Dr. Jadon has held key positions in various Sports Associations, including the Joint Secretary of the Board of Control for Grid Iron (Amercan Football) in India and Chairman of the All India Council of Physical Education (UP), Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Arm Wrestling Association. He is also a National Medalist in American Football, Arm-Wrestling and Judo, showcasing his excellence both as an athlete and educator.His dedication and vast experience to Sports and Physical Education has earned him numerous awards and honors at both National and International levels.

Laxman Singh Bhandari

Head Referee

Laxman Singh Bhandari has trained thousands of armwrestlers and still continues giving training. He has very strong relations and great respect in all India state associations and players. He has dedicated his life to promote armwrestling and since 1989 he is an active Arm Wrestler himself and has won numerous championships in state, national and International level.

Jojy Elloor

Sr. Vice President

Jojy Ellor is the Senior Vice President of People’s Armwrestling Federation India and also the general secretary of Kerala Armwrestling Association. He has been a major figure in promoting the sport of Armwrestling in the state of Kerala and making it a Armwrestling powerhouse. His unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership has led to the promotion of the sport at a very high level.

Tapas Bhowmick

Vice President

He has been associated in some capacity with the sport since 1976. With nearly half a century of association with the sport, he has a lot of wisdom to share with the Arm Wrestling world. Apart from being the Secretary of the Tripura Arm Wrestling Association, Mr Tapas Bhowmick is also a member of Tripura Olympic Association and the Joint Secretary of the Tripura Weightlifting Association.

Smritimay Das

Vice President

Smritimay Das is a pioneer in the Indian Arm-wrestling Scene. He has been a part of the sport of Arm-wrestling ever since it began in India. Arm-wrestling started in India in 1977 and Smritmay Das has competed from 1979. He is currently the General Secretary of the West Bengal Arm-wrestling Association. He participated in his first ever national in 1981 which took place in Ernakulum and won his first national title in 1985. He has also won seven West Bengal State Armwrestling championship.

Manohar Singh Shekawat

Joint Secretary

Madhya Pradesh Arm Wrestling Association president Manohar Singh Shekhawat has played a pivotal role in promoting the sport of Arm-wrestling in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Today, Madhya Pradesh is a hotbed of Arm-wrestling in India and the top level champions coming out from the Gwalior belt is a testament to this fact.

Adv. Tariq Khan

Legal Advisor

He has played a significant role in promoting the sport of Armwrestling in the state of Madhya Pradesh. He is an advocate by profession and is the current General Secretary of Madhya Pradesh Armwrestling Association. He is also a national level referee. He has a 25 years of experience in Armwrestling and he himself was a top Armwrestler in Madhya Pradesh, having won the Champion of Champions award in the State Championship in 2003.

Mayank Patel

Treasurer

Gujarat State Arm-wrestling Association Treasurer Mr. Mayank Patel is one of the key figures in Arm-wrestling in India. He is a 15-times Gujarat State Arm-wrestling Champion and an international level Arm-wrestler. He is also an international player and participated at the World Arm-wrestling Championship which took place in Turkey and was ranked no.7 in that tournament.

G. Suresh Babe

Chief Patron

G Suresh Babe is the chief patron of the People’s Armwrestling Federation India. Beyond his administrative prowess, he truly champions the welfare and advancement of athletes. He has put in place ground-breaking programmes to promote talent spotting, coaching, and mentorship, making sure that our athletes have access to the greatest tools and chances. Athletes respect and admire him for his unflinching dedication to developing the next generation of Armwrestling stars.