The thrilling arm-westling action of inaugural edition of Pro Panja League continued with Kochi KD's and Kiraak Hyderabad showcasing their dominance and picking up crucial wins.
The event was graced by Olympic medalist and Member of Parliament Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.
"I want to congratulate Parvin Dabas and Preeti Jhangiani for a successful launch of Pro Panja League. I also congratulate all the athletes. The work being done to promote and give recognition to all the armwrestlers by bringing them to an international stage is tremendous. I hope, India continue to win in every competition across the world under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said.
To kick off the action, Bimla Rawat and Asif Ahemad gave Kochi KD's an early 2-1 lead over Mumbai Muscle in the undercard. Kochi's Rudra Naik set up the game for his side against Ludhiana Lions with a decisive win over Mumbai Muscle's entertainer Jatish Mahajan in 60kg bout. The number-two seed in his category, Rudra tested Jatish in first two rounds, before using Challenger Round to get a 10-0 win. Next up, Abhirami P K from Kochi stunned Mumbai's Ardhra Suresh with top roll pin in 55kg bout and earned a clean sweep win.
In the final bout, Chandan Kumar Behera pinned Santosh Gupta in straight rounds, in the Specially-abled category to give Mumbai a win. Using Challenger Round, Chandan earned a 10-0 win, but Kochi won the match 17-11.
In the second match of the night, Butta Singh, Madhura KN and Shoaib Akhtar won their undercard bouts to give Kiraak Hyderabad 3-0 lead over Ludhiana Lions. Kiraak's Satnam Singh challenged Ludhiana's Sanu Joy in the 70kg category bout in the main card. Using smart wrist movement, Sanu single-handedly turned the tide of the game, winning the bout 10-0 to give his side the lead.
Kiraak's Madhura came on yet again and pinned Ludhiana's Aparna Roshith via top roll to continue her dominance in 65kg category. Using challenger round to her advantage, Madhura again shifted momentum back to Kiraak's corner, and continued her unbeaten streak in Pro Panja League. Ludhiana sent Sachin Bhadoria against Kiraak's Jagadish Baruah for 100kg bout. The latter completely dominated the bout to get a clean sweep win and earned 5-0 victory, helping Kiraak Hyderabad pick 18-10 win, and climb to top of the table.
Mumbai Muscle will take on Baroda Badshahs and Kochi KD's will face off against Rohtak Rowdies on Saturday.
Rohit-Kohli to retain A+ BCCI contracts, Iyer to return but Kishan may remain out: Sources
Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are all set to retain their A+ grade contract, which is worth Rs 7 crore in the BCCI's annual player contracts.
Champions Trophy: Spinners, Rohit and Rahul carry unbeaten India to third title win
India's spinners called the shots majorly to pick five wickets collectively on a sluggish pitch, while captain Rohit Sharma top-scored with 76 and KL Rahul stayed calm to hit an unbeaten 34 to give the Men in Blue their third Champions Trophy triumph with a four-wicket win over New Zealand here on Sunday.
Champions Trophy: Kane Williamson to not field in India's chase after picking quad strain
New Zealand’s premier batter Kane Williamson will not be fielding in India's chase of 252 in the ongoing ICC 2025 Champions Trophy final after suffering a quad strain while batting in the first innings at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Champions Trophy: Spinners pick five wickets as India restrict New Zealand to 251/7
India’s spinners called the shots yet again on a slow pitch with just two degrees of turn as they restricted New Zealand to 251/7 in their 50 overs in the 2025 Champions Trophy final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Champions Trophy: Rachin Ravindra becomes leading run-getter in tournament
New Zealand in-form batter Rachin Ravindra became the leading run-getter in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 during the final against India at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma joins Brian Lara's 12-toss losing streak in ODIs
India skipper Rohit Sharma have matched the unwanted record of losing 12 consecutive tosses in the ODI cricket in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Champions Trophy: Smith replaces Henry as NZ opt to bat against unchanged India
New Zealand will play the 2025 Champions Trophy final without their pace bowling spearhead Matt Henry as they won the toss and elected to bat first against India at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
The memories still feel vivid: Dhawan recalls 2013 Champions Trophy win ahead of final against NZ
Former opener Shikhar Dhawan relives India's 2013 Champions Trophy victory ahead of Sunday's final against New Zealand and said watching Men in Blue entering the final for the third time reminded him of the honour of lifting the coveted trophy.