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While some roared like lions, others bellowed and snorted like bulls. Grimaces frozen on faces, they huffed and puffed to pin their opponents’ arms down. One could witness such a charged atmosphere at the 2nd All Zoroastrian Arm Wrestling Competition held at the Parsee Gymkhana (PG) at Marine Drive on the balmy evening of November 18, 2017.
Spurred by the success of the first such competition last year, the team of PG managing committee members Rustom Jasoomoney and Minoo Khan steered by chairman Mehli Golvala worked tirelessly to conduct the event. Associated with the Maharashtra Arm Wrestling Association which is based in Nagpur, PG brought in expert officials as referees to ensure the "event was conducted as per the International Arm Wrestling guidelines,” according to a report on the competition sent to Parsiana by Jasoomoney. The competition is registered as an official event, reportedly the only official arm wrestling competition held in Bombay so far.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Male contestants (40) outnumbered their female counterparts (nine). Last year’s figures were 46 and 12 respectively. Men were further divided into age and weight categories while women were separated only age wise. A special table was created for the event which was fabricated and donated by Viraf Chiniwala of Veldon Coats, a "staunch and generous supporter.” The red and black table was equipped with padded elbow pads (where competitors place their elbows to wrestle) and touch pads (raised pads on opposite sides of the table that each respective competitor is trying to push his opponents’ hand onto). Hand pegs are provided at the sides to grip onto whilst wrestling to give the body added leverage. 
Participants from Poona, Nagpur, Surat, Ahmedabad and many from the host city used a combination of strength and technique to pin his/her opponents’ hands onto the touch pads. Though a sport that measures one’s strength, the participants’ emotions are also tested. One contestant was seen eating elchi kéras (small plantains) before the event while another let out pent up steam by shouting and thumping his chest.
The program commenced at around seven p.m. after all the contestants were weighed in. Bawa wit was at the fore as the 400 strong crowd cheered and supported individuals. The oldest participant, 80-year-old Yezdi Panthaki cut the red ribbon inaugurating the event. The only handicapped participant was 69-year-old Freddy Cooper who "did not let his handicap and crutches prevent him from participating” which earned him a special appreciation prize from Chiniwala, mentioned Jasoomoney. 
Two referees on stage ensured the smooth flow of the event. A box of chalk powder was kept handy for sweaty hands. Rules were announced before the start of the game: Competitors were allowed 60 seconds to arrive at the table after their name was called out to set the grip, the free hand must be in contact with the peg, competing elbow must be kept on the elbow pads at all times and gripped hands must be above the center of the table. In a few cases, straps were used to tie the two hands together.
Prizes were given out by Dilnaavaz Damania. Having spent over a decade pursuing holistic health, Damania is founder of Mentor Global which specializes in human capital, marketing and fitness. The slim, super fit guest stressed the importance of fitness in daily life. Though unaware that such a program exists she was "delighted to be invited” and said that she would think about "competing next year!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sponsorship support from The Zoroastrian Co-operative Bank Limited, Wibs, Veldon Coats, Shri Bal Vyayam Mandir, Raymond Industries and V. S. Dastur and Company was gratefully acknowledged as were the efforts of PG managing committee member Khodadad Yazdegardi and well-wishers Hutoxi Doodhwala (who also compered the evening), Behram Irani and Vivek Chappekar.
After their show of strength and the exhaustion of the evening, winners, participants and the audience partook of a buffet laid out on the lawns of the Gymkhana. The event on the salubrious evening was a perfect platform to bring the community together in a spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie.