Arm Wrestling World Championship Confirmed for October 15 in Gardone Riviera

It’s now certain: the arm wrestling world championship will take place as planned on October 15th in Gardone Riviera.

In recent days, accusations made against Italy by Indian Barji Baran Das, Secretary-General of the World Arm Wrestling Federation, had cast a shadow of concern over this sporting event.

The secretary-general had indeed labeled our country as a racist and unsafe place for Muslims, urging Arab athletes not to participate.

Accusations and denials regarding participation

It appeared that Pakistan and Uzbekistan had also joined in the attempted boycott, a claim later denied following the official confirmations from these two countries.

Yesterday, the National and Organizing Presidency Office of Italy’s Arm Wrestling Section, represented by national president Claudio Rizza and foreign affairs head Giorgio Rielli, confirmed that the world championship will proceed as scheduled without any changes.

India remains the only country still firm in its decision.

Official participation and athletes’ stance

In the last three days, official confirmations have been received from 900 athletes from 28 different countries, including the USA, Uzbekistan, Russia, Ukraine, Morocco, Malta, Japan, Turkey, Israel, and many others.

Pakistan has also officially and unequivocally confirmed its participation with the national team and will not make any political absences.

Message of peace and the significance of the event

The National Presidency of Arm Wrestling in Italy emphasizes the importance of this gathering, the first global event since the tragic attacks in New York, which will also serve as an opportunity to promote a message of universal peace.

“Terrorism and violence cannot cancel sport — underline Rizza and Rielli — the vile and barbaric acts of horror that touched the American people must inspire us to rebuild a world based on peace and necessary justice.

Sport is against religious and racial wars. Sport is a message of universal brotherhood.”

Event confirmation and date

The event with the arm wrestling world championships is thus confirmed and will be held from October 15th to 21st in Gardone Riviera.