Preeti Jhangiani Promotes Arm Wrestling Growth at PAFI National Championship
Preeti Jhangiani, actress and president of the People's Armwrestling Federation India (PAFI), recently attended the 4th PAFI National Armwrestling and Para Armwrestling Championship in Gandhinagar. In an exclusive interview, she discussed her unexpected journey into the sport, her passion for promoting arm wrestling, and her vision for its future in India.
Preeti Jhangiani, known for her acting career, has taken a significant leap into the world of arm wrestling, serving as the president of the People’s Armwrestling Federation India (PAFI) and vice-president of the Asian Armwrestling Federation. Recently, she attended the 4th PAFI National Armwrestling and Para Armwrestling Championship held in Gandhinagar, where she shared her insights on the sport's potential and her journey into sports promotion.
In her interview, Jhangiani expressed her admiration for the transformation of Ahmedabad, highlighting the city's impressive infrastructure and readiness to host major sporting events like the Commonwealth Games. "The scale of development across Ahmedabad and Gujarat is remarkable, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there," she stated.
Despite her busy schedule in sports, Jhangiani reassured her fans that she has not abandoned acting. "Once an actor, always an actor. Sport is a huge part of my life now, and we travel constantly. But I’m listening to a lot of scripts," she explained. She emphasized her desire to be selective with her acting projects, ensuring that any role she takes on is worth her time and resonates with her.
Jhangiani's foray into arm wrestling began unexpectedly. After watching a match in Punjab, she was captivated by the sport's excitement and accessibility. "We saw a unique opportunity for India to become a global force in arm wrestling. The sport is engaging and showcases strength in a family-friendly way without the extreme violence that often puts off audiences," she noted. She believes that arm wrestling has immense growth potential and aims to promote it significantly over the next decade.
Reflecting on her past, Jhangiani acknowledged the lasting impact of her role in the film 'Mohabbatein,' which helped her gain popularity. She expressed gratitude for the love and support she received from fans, which she now channels into promoting arm wrestling. "What Mohabbatein did for me was unbelievable—the love and popularity it brought have been immense. I’ve been able to channel that affection into bringing attention to arm wrestling," she said.
As Jhangiani continues her journey in sports administration, she and her husband, Parvinn Dabass, are committed to establishing a strong reputation for India within the global arm-wrestling community. She noted that arm wrestling is rapidly attracting participants across all demographics, particularly women, who are drawn to the sport's passion and intensity. Jhangiani's efforts to promote arm wrestling reflect her dedication to making a difference in the sport and fostering its growth in India.
