Badarpur’s Monojit Deb Wins Gold at National Arm Wrestling Championship, Eyes World Championship in Japan

For many young athletes in Barak Valley, reaching a national podium remains a distant dream. For 18-year-old Monojit Deb of Badarpur, however, that dream recently became a reality when he secured a gold medal at the 6th BCAI National Arm Wrestling Championship held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Competing in the Under-18 Boys 63 kg category, Monojit emerged victorious against participants from different parts of the country during the championship, which was held from June 12 to June 14. His achievement has brought pride not only to his family but also to the sporting community of Barak Valley.

Speaking to Barak Bulletin, Monojit Deb said he has been practising arm wrestling since 2024 and has dedicated the past few years to improving his performance in the sport. Despite his success, he pointed out that arm wrestling remains relatively unknown compared to more popular sports, making it difficult for athletes to receive adequate recognition and support.

“The main challenge was the lack of support because not many people know about this sport. Support was low, but my family backed me up as much as they could,” he said.

Apart from his family, Monojit credited his friends and senior athletes for encouraging him throughout his journey. Their support, he said, helped him stay motivated while preparing for national-level competition.

Reflecting on his gold-medal victory, Monojit described the feeling as rewarding but also highlighted the struggles faced by athletes competing in lesser-known sports.

“It feels really good. But since the sport is underrated, it doesn’t get the same fame as other popular games,” he said.

While the national title marks a significant milestone in his career, Monojit is already looking ahead to a much bigger stage. He revealed that he has been selected to represent India at the World Arm Wrestling Championship scheduled to be held in Tokyo, Japan.

“My goal is to win a medal for India at the World Championship,” he said.

Monojit also used the opportunity to encourage young athletes from Barak Valley to explore arm wrestling as a competitive sport.

“It is a fantastic sport. Join it, give it your best, and know that there is a lot of scope for the future,” he said.

However, participation at the international level comes with its own challenges. During the interaction, Monojit appealed for sponsorship support, stating that financial assistance remains one of the biggest hurdles for athletes preparing to compete on the world stage.

From a young athlete training in Badarpur to a national champion preparing to represent India in Japan, Monojit Deb’s journey reflects both the opportunities and challenges faced by emerging sportspersons from the region. As he prepares for the World Championship, many in Barak Valley will be hoping that his national success becomes the first step toward an even bigger achievement on the international stage.