Kerala defend National Armwrestling crown; Yuvraj Verma is Champion of Champions
Synopsis
Kerala doubled down on their armwrestling supremacy in Gandhinagar, defending the national crown on medal count. But the real story was Yuvraj Verma's Champion of Champions run across weight classes, and 18-year-old Aabhas Rana ending Mazahir Saidu's unbeaten streak in the 100 kg final — a clear signal that Indian armwrestling's next wave has arrived.
Key Takeaways
Kerala were crowned overall champions at the 4th National Armwrestling & Para-Armwrestling Championship in Gandhinagar for the second year in a row.
Yuvraj Verma won the Senior Men's Champion of Champions title and a double gold in right- and left-hand 110 kg .
Madhura Hassan claimed the Women's Champion of Champions , beating Mizoram's K Lalhriatpuii .
18-year-old Aabhas Rana upset the previously undefeated Mazahir Saidu in the 100 kg final.
Kerala's Joshya J won gold by defeating Yogesh Chaudhary and Nirmal Devi .
Kerala emerged as overall champions at the 4th National Armwrestling & Para-Armwrestling Championship in Gandhinagar, defending their title for the second year running with the highest medal tally. The tournament, organised by the Armwrestling Sports Association Gujarat under the aegis of the People's Armwrestling Federation India (PAFI), delivered marquee performances and a string of upsets across senior and para categories.
Kerala retain top spot
Kerala's title defence was anchored by consistent podium finishes across weight classes, allowing the state to outpace rivals on cumulative medals. The championship was led on the ground by Rajendrasinh Parmar, President of the Armwrestling Sports Association Gujarat, and Treasurer Mayank Patel.
Yuvraj Verma's clean sweep
The standout name of the meet was Yuvraj Verma, who was crowned Senior Men's Champion of Champions. After claiming the 110 kg title, Verma went on to defeat champions from lighter weight classes — Denic Lalruattluanga (90 kg), Vethozo Lohe (85 kg) and finally Aabhas Rana (100 kg) in the grand final. He also completed a rare double by winning gold in both the right-hand and left-hand 110 kg categories.
Women's division and upsets
In the women's draw, Madhura Hassan took the Women's Champion of Champions title after defeating Mizoram's K Lalhriatpuii in the final. Kerala's Joshya J announced herself on the national stage with a gold, getting the better of two of India's most established armwrestlers, Yogesh Chaudhary and Nirmal Devi.
The biggest jolt of the championship came in the men's 100 kg final, where 18-year-old Aabhas Rana stunned the previously undefeated Mazahir Saidu, ending a long stretch of dominance in the category.
What the federation said
Preeti Jhangiani, President of PAFI and Vice President of the Asian Armwrestling Federation (AAF), said, “This championship has showcased the incredible depth of talent that now exists in Indian armwrestling. From established champions defending their legacy to young athletes producing upsets, we witnessed the future of the sport unfold before our eyes. We are proud to provide a platform where athletes from every background can compete and excel.”
What's next
With a new generation breaking through and Kerala extending its grip on the team standings, attention now shifts to the next domestic cycle and India's representation at upcoming Asian-level events under the AAF calendar.
Point of View
But the more telling data point is Aabhas Rana, an 18-year-old, dethroning an undefeated senior. Indian armwrestling has long lacked depth beyond a handful of names; this edition suggests that gap is finally closing. The next test is whether PAFI can convert this domestic depth into Asian-level medals.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 4th National Armwrestling & Para-Armwrestling Championship?
Kerala emerged as overall champions at the 4th National Armwrestling & Para-Armwrestling Championship held in Gandhinagar, securing the highest medal tally. It was their second consecutive overall title.
Who is the Senior Men's Champion of Champions?
Yuvraj Verma was named the Senior Men's Champion of Champions. He won the 110 kg category and then defeated winners from the 90 kg, 85 kg and 100 kg classes, including Aabhas Rana in the grand final.
What was the biggest upset of the championship?
The biggest upset came in the men's 100 kg final, where 18-year-old Aabhas Rana defeated the previously undefeated Mazahir Saidu. The result ended Saidu's long-standing dominance in the weight class.
Who won the Women's Champion of Champions title?
Madhura Hassan won the Women's Champion of Champions title after defeating K Lalhriatpuii of Mizoram in the final. Kerala's Joshya J also stood out, beating top names Yogesh Chaudhary and Nirmal Devi to claim gold.
Who organised the championship?
The championship was organised by the Armwrestling Sports Association Gujarat, led by President Rajendrasinh Parmar and Treasurer Mayank Patel, under the aegis of the People's Armwrestling Federation India (PAFI).
