The highly anticipated seventh edition of the All-Zoroastrian Arm Wrestling Competition unfolded with electrifying energy, sportsmanship, and community spirit at the Parsee Gymkhana, on 8th March, 2025. Sponsored by Justice (Retd.) Shahrukh Kathawala, Er. and Mrs H.P. Antia Trust and WZO Trust Funds, the event saw a large number of brawny participants performing to a full-house of enthusiastic community members, cheering on their favourite contestants.
Parsee Gymkhana is affiliated to the Maharashtra State Arm Wrestling Association under whose aegis the event is professionally conducted, managed and judged, with the results officially recognized. All participants competed in various categories based on age and weight via a professional weighing-in session to ensure fairness. Categories included Juniors and Seniors for Men and Women as well as a Team Tournament and a Champion of Champions Match.
The event was graced by Chief Guest – India’s leading, renowned Orthopedic Surgeon – Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala and Mrs. Farzana Pardiwala; Special Guests – distinguished legal luminary, Justice (Retd.) Shahrukh Kathawala, and actor, film producer and President of People’s Arm Wrestling Federation and VP – Asian Arm-Wrestling Federation – Preeti Jhanghiani; Guests of Honour – trailblazing racing champ – Diana Pundole and 3-time national running champion – Fitgirl Ayesha Billimoria, who were all welcomed and felicitated by Rustom Jasoomoney (main organiser) and other Parsee Gymkhana committee members. The dignitaries delivered inspiring speeches, infusing the atmosphere with motivation and enthusiasm.
The exciting event commenced with the youngest in age category (men) competing first, and proceeding in ascending order of age and weight categories, with the Women’s competition held at half-time. While Meherzad Chinoy was declared Champion of Champions in the Men’s Category, Safna Doctor snagged the title in the Women’s category and Team X – comprising Vistasp Sanjana, Pashin Zaveri, Varzavand Dadachanji and Ferzana Daruwalla – won the Team Championship. Other winners notching the top spots included: in the Men’s ‘Juniors 18-years-and-Under’ Category – Ness Wadia (upto 70 kgs), Zorek Daruwala (70-85kgs) and Varzavand Dadachanji (85kgs+); in the Men’s Seniors 18-30-years Category: Vir Bugli (Under-80kgs) and Farhan Irani (Over-80kgs); Men’s Masters 30-50-years Category: Vistasp Sanjana (Over-80kgs); Men’s Masters 50-60 years Category: Kaiomerz Desai (Over-80kgs); and Men’s Masters Over 60-years Category: Yezdi Todiwalla. Karyna Hakim won in the Women’s Juniors Under-18 category and Ferzana Daruwalla snagged the Women’s Senior Above-18 category.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from dynamic Vice President of Parsee Gymkhana, Khodadad Yazdegardi, followed by a delicious dinner for guests, competitors and members.
