Arunachal Pradesh emerged as the overall champion of the inaugural East Zone Grappling Championship-2026, which concluded at the DK Badminton Hall in Itanagar on Sunday.
West Bengal secured the second position in the championship, while Bihar finished third in the overall standings.
The closing ceremony saw the distribution of prizes, medals, trophies, and certificates to the winners. The awards were presented by Sports Minister Kento Jini, Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA) president Taba Tedir, and AOA secretary-general Bamang Tago.
The championship brought together grapplers from eight Northeastern states along with participants from Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha, making it a significant regional sporting event aimed at promoting the sport of grappling.
Addressing the gathering, Sports Minister Kento Jini appreciated the organizers for successfully hosting the tournament and emphasized the importance of promoting combat sports in the region. He said such championships provide an important platform for young athletes to demonstrate their skills and gain exposure at competitive levels.
Arunachal Olympic Association president Taba Tedir also lauded the organizers for the smooth conduct of the event. He encouraged the participating athletes to continue striving for excellence and to aim for higher achievements at national and international competitions.
Officials from the sport’s national body were also present during the event. Subodh Kumar Yadav highlighted the growing popularity of grappling in different parts of the country and praised the enthusiasm shown by athletes from the eastern region.
President of the Grappling Association of Arunachal Pradesh Loku Sono also addressed the gathering and expressed gratitude to the participants, officials, and organizers for contributing to the success of the championship.
A total of 25 grapplers from Arunachal Pradesh participated in the tournament and played a crucial role in helping the host state secure the top position.
The three-day championship, organized by the Grappling Association of Arunachal Pradesh, was held from March 6 to 8 and witnessed intense competition among the participating teams.
Sports officials noted that events like the East Zone Grappling Championship not only help in promoting the sport but also encourage young athletes to pursue professional training and competitive opportunities.
The successful hosting of the inaugural edition is expected to further boost the popularity of grappling in the region and inspire more athletes to take up the sport in the coming years.
