Niranjan Singh is a big name in the Para sports scene in India. Hailing from Gwalior, Niranjan is a multiple time national and state championship in Para Armwrestling. He is also a professional Armwrestler and is currently competes for the Baroda Badshahs franchise of Pro Panja League.
The Sports India Show team had the opportunity to catch-up with Niranjan and talk about his armwrestling journey and how despite being disabled, he didn’t blame his circumstances and instead worked hard to reach the pinnacle of the sport of Armwrestling.
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When did you start Armwrestling? How did your interest in Armwrestling start to grow?
I have been Armwrestling since 2022. My interest in Armwrestling started to grow ever since by younger brother Arvind Rajak introduced me to the sport. Arvind is himself a national champion and multiple time state medalist. He is also a professional Armwrestler.
Where do you train in Armwrestling?
Arvind introduced me to Manish Kumar, who is a former Para World Champion in Armwrestling. Under the guidance of Manish Kumar at the Gwalior Armwrestling Academy, I managed to secure Gold at the Asian Cup held last year in Mumbai and I am also an international player having represented India at multiple World Championships.
You’re also a tractor driver, how did that come about?
I have been driving tractors for nearly fifteen years. My elder brother who is also a tractor driver saw me seating at home and told me that instead of feeling pity for myself, I should learn the how to drive a tractor. Today, I am famous all over Madhya Pradesh. Whever, I drive my tractor to the worksite, everyone is amazed. From traffic Police to the workers at the job site, everyone is surprised by my grit and determination.
How was your experience in Pro Panja League?
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I consider myself very fortunate to be a Pro Panja League athlete. I want to thank the owner Mr. Parvin Dabas and Mrs Preeti Jhangiani Ji from the bottom of my heart for introducing the specially abled category in the main league and giving us the opportunity to showcase our talent to the rest of the world. It has always been my dream to compete on national television and this has been possible only because of the Pro Panja League.
You’re also going to be competing at the Asian Championship taking place in Delhi later this year. How is your preparation going on?
I took part at the Asian Championship which took place in Ajman, UAE back in 2023. I wasn’t able to secure a Gold Medal in that tournament. Ever since then, I have been training very hard and this time the Asian Championship is taking place in India and I am very much confident about winning a Gold medal in this championship.
