The secret to Preeti Jhangiani & Parvin Dabas’ success in the Pro Panja League is knowing when to lead and when to step back. While Parvin curates the creative strategy, Preeti handles the execution and coordination. They talk about building a league from scratch, fighting stereotypes, earning credibility, and what it takes to turn “Panja” into India’s next big sporting obsession.
By Andrea CostaBir
From Bollywood to the bold world of professional sports — what sparked the idea of creating a league around arm wrestling? Was there an ‘aha’ moment?
Parvin Dabas: Honestly, the idea had been simmering for a while. I’ve always been fascinated by sports that are simple yet packed with emotion. Arm wrestling — or panja as we call it here — is something everyone in India has played at some point. In school canteens, with cousins, even at family gatherings. It’s nostalgic, competitive, and oddly emotional.
One defining moment that really cemented our belief was during our 2021 event in Mumbai. There was an intense match between Sachin Goyal from Gwalior and Karaj Singh from Haryana. They weren’t celebrities, just hardworking athletes. But by the time it got to the deciding round, the crowd — strangers to them 30 minutes ago — were shouting their names like they were watching a World Cup final. That emotional connection made us realise: This isn’t just a sport, it’s theatre.
Preeti Jhangiani: Exactly. We saw people cheer, gasp, scream — all for a sport that had no glitz or glamour until then. That raw intensity is what convinced us we were onto something special.
But arm wrestling wasn’t exactly an organised sport in India. What were your initial hurdles? Did people take you seriously when you pitched the idea?
Parvin: Oh, there were plenty of raised eyebrows! The biggest challenge was perception. Arm wrestling wasn’t seen as a “real” sport. People thought of it as a roadside game or something you do for fun. So getting sponsors or broadcasters on board wasn’t easy at first.
But we believed in the vision — in its storytelling potential, in the physical technique it demanded, and the characters behind each competitor. Once we started producing tournaments with solid production values and compelling visuals, people began to sit up and notice.
Preeti: The athletes themselves were actually the easiest to convince. They were so hungry for recognition. Through our People’s Armwrestling Federation India, which I head, we began to give them structure — through state-level tournaments, national championships, and open rankings. Suddenly, they had a path to glory. That meant everything to them.
You’ve had massive celebrity backing — Suniel Shetty, John Abraham, Sunny Deol, Tiger Shroff, Varun Dhawan. How did that come about, and what has their support meant for the league?
Preeti: Celebrity support has played a key role in taking Pro Panja from niche to national. We’ve been fortunate that many stars we admire genuinely believe in the sport. John Abraham, in particular, has been a strong advocate of strength sports and has shown a lot of enthusiasm for Pro Panja. His presence and voice add weight and authenticity to our vision.
Parvin: When Sunny Deol came to our launch event and thundered his iconic “2.5 kg ka haath” line while standing at the Panja table — that was a full circle moment. It wasn’t just nostalgic — it symbolised the spirit of the league: Power, presence, and pride.
Suniel Shetty, who is now our league partner, brings not just celebrity value but immense business acumen. He’s deeply respected in both entertainment and fitness circles, so his involvement gives the league credibility and strategic insight. And when you see someone like Tiger Shroff, who is at the peak of youth appeal and fitness, endorse your format — you know the league has cultural resonance.
Running a league is a multi-dimensional challenge. How do you manage everything — from athlete scouting to fan engagement, sponsorships, and production?
Parvin: It’s like running a mini film studio, a sports federation, and a media company — all at once! We’re very hands-on, but we’ve also built a strong backend. There are dedicated teams handling PR, digital outreach, athlete coordination, logistics, and sponsorships.
Preeti: Scouting is something we’re especially passionate about. We conduct open-ranking tournaments — truly merit-based. Anyone can walk in and compete. Winners earn their place in the league. That transparency helps build trust with the athletes and gives us access to raw, untapped talent from small towns and villages.
We’re also working on mentorship and training camps to help these athletes go from regional hopefuls to national icons.
You recently tied up with Sony Sports Network and JSW Sports. What finally tipped the scales in your favour with big brands?
Parvin: Results. Once we aired our league on national television and got 32 million unique viewers with a reach of 200 million+, people started taking us seriously. That kind of viewership, especially for a “new” sport, is huge.
Sony Sports saw the potential of Pro Panja early on — they understood that this wasn’t just about arm wrestling, it was about drama, rivalries, personal journeys. And JSW Sports coming onboard was another game-changer. Their track record with Olympic talent and other league properties speaks for itself. It validated our vision.
You’ve managed to turn a humble street sport into a stylised, high-energy spectacle. What was the thinking behind that presentation style?
Preeti: From day one, we wanted the league to look and feel aspirational. That’s why we’ve hosted matches at stunning venues like the Gateway of India and Gwalior Fort. These are not just backdrops — they symbolise heritage, power, and grandeur.
Parvin: Visual storytelling is a big part of what makes sports succeed today. Look at the IPL — it’s not just cricket, it’s drama. With Panja, we knew we had to make the sport cinematic without losing authenticity. Every match is like a scene — there’s tension, build-up, conflict, resolution.
You’ve created stars out of unknown athletes. How do you balance professional sport with storytelling?
Parvin: Storytelling is everything. Take Rahul Panikkar, for instance — a quiet, disciplined athlete who went viral globally after defeating Larry Wheels, a world-famous fitness influencer, in Dubai. That one moment made him a household name. But behind that win is years of effort, discipline, and backstory. We bring those narratives to the fore.
Preeti: We spotlight the human side of these athletes — their journeys, their families, their sacrifices. It helps the audience connect, and it motivates other young people to see a future in sports beyond cricket.
Pro Panja is now eyeing international markets. Tell us more about your global ambitions.
Parvin: Oh yes — we’re just getting started! We’re hosting our first international Pro Panja tournament in Dubai in collaboration with the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation and Dubai Sports Council. It’s a massive milestone.
We’ve already seen interest from countries like the UAE, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and the US. The dream is to eventually have international franchises, cross-border tournaments, and perhaps even a Pro Panja World Cup. The sport is global — now the platform needs to be.
You must have faced setbacks too. What were the moments that tested your resolve the most?
Preeti: The initial phase — when nobody believed in us — was tough. We were putting our own money, time, and energy into something that had no precedent. It’s not easy taking that leap of faith when you’re not sure anyone’s watching.
Parvin: But the crowd’s reactions kept us going. When you see someone from a Tier-3 town walk into an arena and get cheered like a rockstar, it’s deeply fulfilling. That human emotion makes it worth every risk.
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to build a niche sports property in India?
Parvin: Be patient, and do your homework. Understand the sport inside out. Don’t just package it — respect it. Build for the longterm, not for quick virality.
Preeti: And make sure your heart’s in it. You have to love the game, the people, and the grind. If you stay authentic and consistent, success will follow — even if it takes time.
Finally — what’s your secret sauce as business partners and life partners? How do you make it all work?
Parvin: I guess we’re lucky — we’ve always been a team. I handle a lot of the creative and production side, and Preeti is the glue that holds the operations together. We don’t step on each other’s toes — we amplify each other’s strengths.
Preeti: And we argue only when it’s really worth it! (laughs) But yes, having shared vision and mutual respect helps. We know when to be co-founders and when to be spouses. That balance is what keeps us grounded and aligned. Right now, we’re completely consumed balancing the Pro Panja League along with some of the acting work that we’re doing. We’re also busy with our two boys. Life is full and that’s lovely. And I hope it always remains that way. I don’t know about any secret sauce, but yes, love is the biggest ingredient in all of this
