Tractor driving Para Champ Niranjan Singh wins Silver for India in Asian Para-Armwrestling Championship

Khel Today Bureau

New Delhi: “I’m specially-abled — I was born without legs, and my hands became my strength,” said Gwalior’s Niranjan Singh after bagging the silver medal in 65 kg weight class (sitting category) in the ongoing Asian Para-Armwrestling Championship in New Delhi.

In a historic moment, People’s Armwrestling Federation of India is hosting the prestigious 23rd Asian Armwrestling Championship and the 22nd Asian Para-Armwrestling Championship in the capital city. More than 500 athletes from 14 countries are battling it out for the ultimate glory.

Niranjan who hails from Madhya Pradesh talked about his inspiring journey. “Coming to Armwrestling is not a small thing. I have played a lot of games. I played cricket and a few other games. In fact, I will be playing the Nationals of Wheelchair cricket later this month. But Armwrestling is something which has attracted me the most.”

The Indian athlete has had his share of struggles but despite all odds, he has kept himself motivated.

“I’m specially-abled — I was born without legs, and my hands became my strength. From a young age, I learned to do everything using just my hands. I used to drive a tractor, pressing the clutch, applying the brakes, and accelerating — all with my hands alone. Later, I worked as a delivery driver, navigating the world on my own terms. It was during that journey that I met Arvind Rajan, a world champion, whose belief in me changed everything. He introduced me to Coach Manish Kumar, and that moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life,” he said.

“I got into the sport in 2021, and by 2022, I was competing in my first Nationals in Hyderabad — where I won with my left hand. That victory gave me a huge boost in confidence. Soon after, I competed in the Asian Championship in Dubai and brought home a bronze medal. Since then, the journey has been incredibly rewarding..”

Niranjan is thankful to Pro Panja co-founder Parvin Dabas and President of the People’s Armwrestling Federation India and Vice President of the Asian Armwrestling Federation, Preeti Jhangiani for their support.

“I’m very thankful to Parvin Sir and Preeti Ma’am for the kind of support that they have shown. They have been working really hard to promote the sport and I’m really proud that I am a part of the competition,” he concluded.

The week-long event will conclude on May 10, 2025.