By Monojit Mandal
When most people think of physiotherapists, they imagine quiet clinics, methodical movements, and soft-spoken guidance toward recovery. What they don’t imagine is that same physiotherapist crushing opponents in a combat sport that demands brute strength, precision, and nerves of steel.
But Siddharth from Guwahati isn’t most people.
He’s a physiotherapist by profession, yes. But over the past decade, he’s become one of the most recognised faces in the Indian arm wrestling circuit, particularly after his meteoric rise through the ranks of the Pro Panja League — a tournament that, in his own words, “changed everything” for the sport in India.
“When I first started arm wrestling in 2015, nobody took it seriously. It was seen as a fun, extra-curricular activity — something you do over chai, not on national television,” says Siddharth, in a tete-a-tete with The Shillong Times.
Back then, he was in his final year of physiotherapy college. A chance visit by the General Secretary of the Assam Arm Wrestling Association introduced him to the sport — and just like that, Siddharth found his calling. He dived into the amateur circuit with passion, travelling across districts, honing his technique, and slowly making a name for himself in a sport still finding its identity in India’s Northeast.
Today, he’s part of Kirak Hyderabad in the Pro Panja League’s Season 2. His journey from an anonymous competitor to a nationally televised athlete is not just about strength — it’s about science, perseverance, and heart.
Muscle Meets Mind: The Physiotherapist Advantage
It’s tempting to think that Siddharth’s professional training gives him an unfair edge. And, in part, it does.
“I understand biomechanics. I know how muscles move, where stress builds, how angles shift the balance of power. Some arm wrestlers play by instinct — I play by calculation,” he explains.
But that clinical advantage comes with a double-edged sword. “As a physiotherapist, I know exactly what can go wrong. But as an arm wrestler, I have to risk it anyway. That’s the paradox — you treat injuries by day and earn them by night.”
And yet, Siddharth insists, this blend of science and grit has helped not only in self-preservation but also in guiding others. “I heal, I train, I compete — it’s a cycle. Many of the athletes I practise with come to me for treatment too.”
Northeast’s Untapped Powerhouses
Having lived across different parts of the Northeast due to his father’s transferable job, Siddharth has seen firsthand the raw athleticism and enthusiasm the region holds.“There’s no shortage of strength-based athletes here,” he says. “Meghalaya especially has great potential — I’ve met guys like Alan, a police officer from Meghalaya who’s been arm wrestling longer than me. The passion is already there.”
The difference, he argues, lies in support. “States like Meghalaya are beginning to recognise and reward their strength athletes. The government there provides sponsorships and acknowledges their international achievements. Assam is still catching up in that regard.”
One name he brings up with admiration is Margaret Pathaw, a veteran arm wrestler from Meghalaya who consistently brings home medals from the world stage in the Masters category.
Pro Panja League: The Game Changer
Until 2023, arm wrestling remained largely in the shadows. That changed with the arrival of the Pro Panja League, a televised spectacle that introduced the sport to millions.
“My neighbours in Guwahati had no idea I was even into arm wrestling until they saw me on Sony Sports,” Siddharth laughs. “That moment was surreal. Suddenly, people knew. Suddenly, it was real.”
For the first time, the sport wasn’t just a hobby — it was a potential career path. Siddharth sees the league’s auction system (starting next season) as a watershed moment. “Once money enters a sport, seriousness follows. Parents stop worrying about stability. Kids start dreaming.”
Wrestling with Time, and Life
Behind the spotlight, Siddharth leads a full life — as a working physiotherapist, a father to a seven-month-old daughter, and a husband balancing family responsibilities.
“It’s tough. My day job ends by 6 pm. Then I train till 11 on most days. My wife, my parents — they’ve been unbelievably supportive. If not for them, this wouldn’t be possible.”Despite the physical demands, Siddharth insists on maintaining this dual life. “Physiotherapy pays the bills. Arm wrestling feeds the soul.”