Svayam joins World Armwrestling and Para Armwrestling Championships as accessibility partner

New Delhi: Accessibility organisation Svayam has joined hands with the People’s Armwrestling Federation India (PAFI) as the Accessibility Partner for the 47th World Armwrestling Championship and the 28th World Para Armwrestling Championship 2026.

The announcement was made at a press conference at Jindal Centre, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi. The championships will be held at Leela Ambience Hotel from October 29 to November 6, bringing together athletes from 56 countries. The event is expected to feature 400 para-athletes accompanied by 300 caregivers.

The announcement was made in the presence of Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam and Managing Director of Jindal SAW Ltd.; Assen Hadjitodorov, President of the World Armwrestling Federation; Preeti Jhangiani, President of PAFI, co-founder of Pro Panja League and actor; and Parvin Dabas, co-founder of Pro Panja League.

Through the collaboration, Svayam will work with the organizers to make the Championships accessible and inclusive for para-athletes, their caregivers, and spectators. Its scope of work includes accessibility audits of competition venues and accommodation facilities to assess movement through entrances, circulation routes, and essential amenities, and identify areas requiring attention.

Sensitisation sessions for event staff and volunteers will promote an understanding of reduced mobility issues, respectful communication, and appropriate assistance. The organization will also facilitate accessible transportation for airport transfers and travel between hotels throughout the Championships.

Speaking on the occasion, Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam and MD, Jindal SAW Ltd. said, “The right to compete begins well before an athlete reaches the table. It includes the freedom to travel, prepare, and participate without having to negotiate preventable obstacles. Athletes train for their opponents; they should not have to train for inaccessible surroundings. Hosting an international championship carries a responsibility to respect the autonomy of those who attend. For us, success will mean participants can direct their energy towards their performance, make decisions for themselves, and ask for assistance on their own terms. We want this collaboration to demonstrate the standard of preparation that inclusive sport deserves.”

At the conference, Assen Hadjitodorov, President, World Armwrestling Federation, says, “Every sport dream of producing Champions; but our goal goes further. We don’t just aim to win; we aim to give every athlete the chance to compete, to belong, and to be seen. That is what will make these Championships truly remarkable.”

On the occasion, Parvin Dabas, Co-founder, Pro Panja League, says, “We are deeply grateful to Svayam for their invaluable support as our accessibility partner. Arm wrestling is unlike any other sport; it is perhaps the only arena where men, women, and differently-abled athletes compete on the very same platform, as true equals. We are also proud to be one of the few leagues in the world that offers equal pay across all three categories. We have not spoken of equality; we have simply built it into the foundation of everything we do, from day one.”

Preeti Jhangiani, President of People’s Armwrestling Federation India (PAFI), Co-founder of Pro Panja League and Indian Actress, says, “There is no greater pride than watching the country's flag. This time we are hopeful of our players winning the largest no. Of medals. I wouls like to very much thank Ms. Jindal and Svayam, whose efforts have helped us to bring the sport to such a level.”

The schedule begins with team arrivals on October 26, followed by registration and continental meetings on October 27. Referee certification, the technical meeting, and the World Armwrestling Federation Congress are scheduled for October 28.

Competition opens on October 29 with masters’ left- and right-arm events, alongside the opening ceremony.

Tags : Preeti Jhangiani, Arm Wrestling, Para, Jindal, World Para Armwrestling