India’s Pro Panja League Debuts Internationally With UAE Cup Event

In a bold and exciting move for the future of professional arm wrestling, India’s Pro Panja League is stepping onto the global stage with the launch of the Pro Panja UAE Cup, set to take place on April 19 at the India Club in Abu Dhabi. This moment marks the first-ever international event for the league, expanding its influence beyond Indian borders and showcasing the growing global appeal of arm wrestling as a competitive and entertaining sport. Supported by UAE-based sporting authorities and powered by the enthusiastic Indian expatriate community in the Gulf region, the event aims to introduce the unique flavor of Pro Panja to an entirely new audience.

First International Step for India’s Pro Panja League

Having made remarkable progress in India since its inception, the Pro Panja League’s expansion into Abu Dhabi symbolizes the league’s ambitions to elevate arm wrestling to a mainstream, global sporting event. The UAE Cup is not merely an exhibition—it is a full-scale competition, featuring some of the most renowned arm wrestlers from India, the UAE, Pakistan, and Bahrain. These athletes will face off in a series of competitive matches, highlighting the sport’s diversity, strength, and strategy.

By choosing Abu Dhabi as its first international venue, the Pro Panja League is making a strategic move. The UAE, and particularly Abu Dhabi and Dubai, has built a strong reputation as a global hub for combat sports and athletic entertainment. With events like the UFC, boxing championships, and international grappling tournaments regularly hosted in the Emirates, it is only natural for arm wrestling to find a space here too. The India Club, serving as venue partner, brings cultural resonance and familiarity for South Asian fans in the region.

A Cross-Border Sporting Celebration in Abu Dhabi

The Pro Panja UAE Cup promises to be more than just a series of arm wrestling bouts. It is positioned as a celebration of athleticism, entertainment, and international collaboration. The event is officially sanctioned by the Dubai Sports Council and will be technically supervised by the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation—two entities known for their commitment to maintaining high standards in sports and fitness activities in the region.

The event’s organization is further strengthened by the presence of prominent personalities like Parvinn Dabas, co-founder of the Pro Panja League and a known name in Indian cinema and sports circles. He has been a key driver behind the league’s vision of turning arm wrestling into a dynamic spectator sport. Joining him at the UAE Cup is Bollywood actor and President of the People’s Armwrestling Federation India, Preeti Jhangiani. Her blend of stardom and sports advocacy has been pivotal in drawing mainstream attention to the Pro Panja League, making it an engaging combination of competition and entertainment.

A Global Roster for the Abu Dhabi Audience

The event will host five matches, each with unique weight categories and competitive pairings, reflecting the diversity and talent in international arm wrestling. The spotlight match will feature a heavyweight face-off between India’s Mazahir Saidu and Pakistan’s Omer Jamshaid. Saidu, weighing in at 110 kg, is currently India’s top-ranked arm wrestler and captain of the Kochi KD’s in the Pro Panja League. He will battle Jamshaid, a 105 kg athlete from Pakistan, in what is expected to be a high-intensity encounter. Both wrestlers bring vast experience, power, and technique to the table, ensuring an edge-of-the-seat contest.

In the 90 kg category, Indian arm wrestler Arjun Menon is set to face Talal Ali of Bahrain. This pairing brings a fresh regional flavor, tapping into the growing arm wrestling circuits of the Middle East. Umesh Kattuparambil, another Indian representative in the 80 kg class, will challenge UAE’s Ameer Alturkumani, further highlighting the spirit of regional athletic collaboration.

The remaining matches promise equal excitement. Prasad Kanhangad (75 kg) from India will test his skills against UAE’s Rambo (80 kg), while Asker Ali (85 kg), also from India, is matched with Ali (90 kg) from the UAE. These face-offs serve as a showcase of raw power, quick reflexes, and mind-body synchronization, which are essential to succeed in the sport.

Entertainment Meets Athletics in Pro Panja’s Unique Format

One of the standout features of the Pro Panja League is its format—an energetic blend of intense sports action and crowd-friendly entertainment. By combining traditional wrestling rules with well-produced live events, complete with lighting, commentary, and celebrity presence, the league has captured the imagination of a new generation of sports fans in India. Now, with its UAE Cup, this unique format is being introduced to a global audience.

Bollywood star Preeti Jhangiani, who has been closely associated with the league, expressed her excitement about reaching out to fans in the UAE. “Having seen the Pro Panja League up close, I have to say it’s a superb mix of sports and entertainment and Bollywood masala,” she remarked. “Everyone who watches falls in love with Pro Panja, and now I’m honoured to be meeting my UAE fans through this platform.”

This sentiment reflects the league’s appeal beyond traditional sports viewership. With music, celebrity appearances, dramatic matchups, and high production values, the Pro Panja League creates a complete experience—something that aligns well with the entertainment-forward culture of the UAE’s sporting events.

Strategic Vision for Global Arm Wrestling Growth

Pro Panja’s international debut also highlights a long-term vision. Co-founder Parvinn Dabas emphasized that this UAE event is only the beginning of a global journey. “The Pro Panja UAE Cup is a natural progression in our vision to make arm wrestling a mainstream, globally recognized sport,” he said. “The UAE has emerged as a hub for combat sports, and we are thrilled to bring the energy and excitement of Pro Panja to such an enthusiastic audience. I thank our UAE partners, especially India Club and Faisal Al Zaabi, for their support.”

Dabas’s words underscore the growing ambitions of the Pro Panja League. The UAE Cup is not a one-time initiative but a launching point for the league’s international expansion. With more countries expressing interest in professional arm wrestling, the league is strategically placing itself as a pioneer in this movement.

UAE’s Sporting Culture Welcomes a New Contender

The UAE, especially cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has long been at the forefront of hosting international sporting spectacles. From Formula 1 races to high-profile boxing and MMA events, the region’s openness to new sports formats and global talent makes it an ideal partner for emerging leagues like Pro Panja.

The warm reception for arm wrestling in the UAE signals the region’s support for niche sports with mainstream potential. Moreover, the strong South Asian diaspora in the Gulf, particularly from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, adds to the event’s local resonance. These communities have shown consistent enthusiasm for sports that reflect both their heritage and modern competitive spirit.

With its structured format, regional inclusivity, and star-studded presentation, Pro Panja League is perfectly positioned to become a fan-favorite in the UAE. This debut in Abu Dhabi may well set the stage for a Middle East arm wrestling circuit, involving players, leagues, and fans from across the region.

Looking Ahead: What the UAE Cup Means for the Sport

The UAE Cup is more than just an arm wrestling competition—it represents a key inflection point in the journey of the Pro Panja League. It is a tangible sign of the sport’s evolution from grassroots contests to global arenas. The presence of multiple countries, cross-cultural support, and official sanctioning from UAE bodies ensures that the event has both legitimacy and potential for longevity.

For arm wrestling as a sport, this event could lead to greater recognition, standardized competition formats, and broader participation. As more countries explore the idea of professional arm wrestling leagues, Pro Panja is laying the foundation through its quality matches, strategic partnerships, and engaging events.

A Landmark Moment for Arm Wrestling Worldwide

As April 19 approaches, all eyes will be on the India Club in Abu Dhabi, where the sound of arms locking, grunts of effort, and cheers of a global audience will blend into a historic moment for the sport. The Pro Panja UAE Cup is not just an event—it is a declaration that arm wrestling is ready for the world stage. With India leading the way and the UAE offering a hospitable platform, this tournament promises to ignite global interest and elevate the sport into mainstream recognition. The world of sports may soon witness a new champion among its many disciplines, one born from tradition, powered by passion, and elevated through innovation.