Kerala’s Yazar Arafath is one of the top Armwrestlers in India. Hailing from Calicut, Yazar is the current top seed of the Pro Panja League. He won the Gold medal in the recently concluded PPL’s ranking tournament which took place in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
Yazar Arafath defeated Odisha’s Rudra Naik in the finals to clinch the top spot. Yazar then went on to win the Gold medal in the 65 kg category at the Kerala State Armwrestling Championship.
Also Read: Rahul Panicker reveals why Kerala produces the best Arm Wrestlers in India
Sports India Show had the opportunity to chat with Yazar Arafath to talk about his Armwrestling regimen and the upcoming league.
Interview with Yazar Arafath
How long have you been Armwrestling?
I have been armwrestling for six years.
What are the improvements that you have done after the Pro Panja League ranking tournament which took place in Gwalior?
My Practicing is going on very good. I won in the district championship held in Calicut. I also reached the first place in the Kerala State Championship.
Why should the franchise chose you in the upcoming League?
In the ranking tournament held in Gwalior around 87 player’s competed in 60 kg weight category and the best players from India took part in that tournament and I won the Gold medal in my weight category. This just shows that whichever franchise choses me I will perform to the best of my ability.
What are your past achievements in Armwrestling?
My achievements are as follows:
A) Calicut District Champion for five consecutive years.
B) Bronze Medalist in 2018 Sheru Classic
C) Gold Medalist in the 60 kg category in Sheru Classic 2019 (Mumbai)
D) Gold Medalist in the 60 kg category in Sheru Classic 2019 (Bangalore)
E) Gold Medalist in the 60 Kg category in Sheru Classic 2021 (Mumbai)
F) Gold Medalist in the 65 Kg category at the 2023 Kerala State Armwrestling Championship
Tell us about your training regimen?
I spend 3 hours in the gym daily. I usually do full body workout and daily armwrestling. I also do cardio exercises like running, rope climbing and heavyweight training.
What are your expectations from the League?
I see the league as the best opportunity to become a professional Arm wrestler. There will be better matches. Hopefully the league will provide a better base for the arm wrestling community. A big thanks to Parvin Sir and Preeti Ma’am.
