Itanagar, Dec 5: The Pro Panja League has announced the appointment of Onam Gamno from Ngopok village in East Siang District as the captain of Team India for the upcoming Asian Cup Arm Wrestling Championship. Para-arm wrestler Shrimant Jha from Chhattisgarh has been selected as the vice captain, reflecting a focus on inclusivity and representation within the national squad.

Officials said that 27-year-old Onam Gamno has built a strong competitive record in recent years. She won silver and bronze medals at the 2024 Asian Cup in Mumbai, secured two gold medals at the 2023 National Armwrestling Championship, and earned a bronze medal at the 2025 National Championship.

Shrimant Jha, who recently claimed a silver medal at the Hungary Para Arm Wrestling World Cup, brings significant international experience to the team’s leadership. His appointment highlights the growing representation of para-athletes in arm wrestling.

The announcement comes amid heightened patriotic sentiments in Arunachal Pradesh following the recent detention of Prema Thongdok at Shanghai airport by Chinese authorities, an incident that prompted widespread support across the Northeast.

Onam Gamno said she is proud to represent India on the global stage and is committed to giving her best performance. Preeti Jhangiani, President of the People’s ArmWrestling Federation of India and Vice President of the Asian Armwrestling Federation, said the leadership reflects the values of unity and determination promoted by the sport.

The appointments mark a significant moment for Indian arm wrestling, with leaders representing both the Northeast region and the para-athlete community.