Athletes flex their biceps before going hand-to-hand in a new arm-wrestling league in India. It is hoping to take the sporting spotlight.
Contestants fight under bright lights in a TV studio with a cheering audience, as opponents push down the other person’s arm.
Indian arm wrestling started many years ago, but the sport has been given a new lease of life by famous actors Parvin Dabas and Preeti Jhangiani.
“Our athletes are sons and daughters of our soil. An office worker, or a gym trainer, or a mechanic,” Parvin says. “They come from all walks of life and come from small-town India, and that’s what we love about it.”
Arm wrestler Shaikh Tawheed worked as a motorbike mechanic and a cleaner before finding fame as an arm wrestler. A charming smile adds to his appeal as he defeats opponents in a quick strike – and then celebrates by blowing kisses to his fans.
“It’s a dream living in fancy hotels and having good food,” Shaikh says. He has earned 75,000 rupees as an arm wrestler, ten times his previous earnings.
Upper-body strength
The wrestling teams have to include men, women and people with disabilities – including athletes who use wheelchairs. They have impressive upper-body strength.
The ancient sport is rooted in Hindu mythology and is very popular, making Shaikh a local star. He has moved from a one-room apartment in his home city of Aurangabad, and bought his own house.
“The fame I got from arm wrestling helped me in my career as a gym trainer,” he says. “The new league has changed arm wrestling.”
Useful, powerful arms
Among the athletes is mother Farheen Dehalvi, who went from taking part in village competitions to beating her opponents in front of a large TV audience.
Decades of doing household chores have given Farheen powerful arms – and she has put them to good use! She won her first match by defeating a much younger wrestler.
“Women who stay at home are powerful because they work and have power in their hands,” says Farheen, a part-time teacher.
“I went to see an arm-wrestling match in my district and people urged me to play the sport as they think I am powerful,” she says. “In our region, daughter-in-laws are not allowed to step out of their homes, but my husband backed me to display my power in the sport. And here I am.”
Her success has inspired others. Two gyms have opened in her village and girls have started going there.
“It was tough, juggling household duties and pursuing the sport, but I kept my hopes high,” Farheen says. “People watch me on TV and it has inspired them to go to the gyms.”
Quick questions
1. Which other jobs have the arm wrestlers been doing?
2. What currency is mentioned in the story?
3. What makes Shaikh Tawheed popular with his fans?
