“Currently, even if you’re a full-time arm wrestler, you have to find another job too. It’s high time we get contracts, given the way the sport is growing. Hopefully, that will happen in the next couple of years,” Sonni, who is part of PPL’s Mumbai Muscle squad, told mid-day
Paarth Sonni (left) and Harshit Poojary. Pics/Special Arrangement
The Indian Premier League pioneered a mass movement for franchise-based sports in India, with the likes of the Pro Kabaddi League, Indian Super League (football), and the Hockey India League, among others, taking a leaf out of the cricket tournament’s book. Pro Panja League (PPL) has followed suit in recent times and has just commenced its second season on Tuesday in Gwalior.
Despite its nascency, the league has already provided a platform for Indian arm wrestlers to gain recognition, but the athletes are hopeful that soon the state’s official arm wrestling body — Maharashtra Armwrestling Association — will take cognisance of the sport’s growing popularity and support players by introducing contracts or sponsorships that will enable them to focus on arm wrestling without having to work other jobs.
Athletes on double duty
Vasai-resident Paarth Sonni, 24, is a six-time gold-medallist at the People’s Armwrestling Federation of India’s (PAFI) National Championships and despite being a successful professional arm wrestler for nine years, is forced to supplement his income from the sport by working as a body building and arm wrestling coach, also providing online classes. “Currently, even if you’re a full-time arm wrestler, you have to find another job too. It’s high time we get contracts, given the way the sport is growing. Hopefully, that will happen in the next couple of years,” Sonni, who is part of PPL’s Mumbai Muscle squad, told mid-day.
In a similar position is Andheri-resident Harshit Poojary, who’ll be turning out for PPL’s Jaipur Veers. He is employed as a strength and conditioning coach besides running his own club to train arm wrestlers. “As of now there’s no such thing [contract or sponsorship], but the Pro Panja League is doing a good job in promoting the sport. I’m sure, not just Mahaarshtra, but other states too will realise this and provide more financial support to arm wrestlers,” said Poojary, 25, a bronze medallist in the PAFI 90 kg Nationals held earlier this year in Kerala.
Both athletes are grateful to PPL for transforming the arm wrestling landscape in the country. “Right now, the PPL organises or collaborates on a tournament every month. Earlier [before the league’s first season in 2023], we just had the state championship and the national championship. Now, we have around 12-15 tournaments a year which is great,” explained Sonni.
‘Regular events, a big help’
“Regular tournaments help us in building momentum, consistency and confidence. I keenly look forward to contest every tournament possible to improve my game,” said Poojary, who has been a professional for the last four years.
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