The Pro Panja League has announced the appointment of Onam Gamno of Arunachal Pradesh as captain of Team India for the upcoming Asian Cup Arm Wrestling Championship. This appointment comes at a crucial time for Arunachal Pradesh, following recent events that stirred patriotic fervour in the state. China’s attempt to restrict passage for Prema Thongdok who was detained at the Shanghai airport sparked widespread unity and pride in the region, marked by collective singing of “Vande Mataram” and enthusiastic flag-waving by citizens of India’s Northeast.
Captain Onam Gamno, 27, hails from Ngopok village, under Mebo police station in East Siang district. She is a decorated arm wrestler with a string of significant achievements: a silver and a bronze medal at the 2024 Asian Cup in Mumbai, a bronze medal at the 2025 National Armwrestling Championship, and two gold medals at the 2023 National Armwrestling Championship.
Her consistent medal-winning performances make her a role model, especially for young athletes from India’s northeast, showcasing exceptional skill and leadership on and off the table. Expressing pride in her role, India Captain Onam Gamno shares, “I am proud to represent India on the world stage, and every move I make is for my country. I’m ready to give it my all and bring glory home to the tricolour.”
Preeti Jhangiani, President People’s Arm Wrestling Federation of India (PAFI) and Vice President Asian Arm-Wrestling Federation (AAF), said, “We are honoured to have Onam Gamno lead Team India as captain and Shrimant Jha as vice-captain for the Asian Cup. Their appointments reflect the strength, skill, and spirit that define our league and Indian arm wrestling as a whole.
Onam’s leadership and Shrimant’s inspiring journey as a para-athlete perfectly embody the values of determination and unity that we champion. We are confident they will lead the team with passion and bring great pride to the nation.”The appointments highlight not only Team India’s competitive ambitions but also the expanding reach of arm wrestling as an inclusive and dynamic sport.
