Naga Arm Benders rose from humble beginnings to produce national champions and a world champion through determination and grit
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Yapangnaro Jamir
DIMAPUR — What began as friendly schoolyard duels has grown into Nagaland's first official arm wrestling community. Founded to provide local pullers with a platform of their own, Naga Arm Benders has racked up more than 30 national medals, two ‘Champion of Champions’ titles and produced a world champion—all without coaches, dedicated infrastructure or steady funding in its early years.
Founder of Naga Arm Benders, Nagaland's official arm wrestling community, Neli Dominic recalled, "My first memory of arm wrestling was pulling with classmates. I started noticing I could beat people much bigger than me. That made me curious."
His curiosity led him to discover that the sport had national and world championships. "That's when I realised it could be more than just a hobby," he said.
The turning point came after he represented Assam alongside Ishant Kayshap of Jorhat and fellow Naga Niboto Achumi at the Assam State Arm Wrestling Championship, where they won three medals.
"That experience showed us what organised arm wrestling looked like. We wanted to create those opportunities for our own athletes instead of representing another state. That's how Naga Arm Benders was born."
Warrior spirit, modern sport
The group sees a strong connection between Nagaland's warrior heritage and the sport. "When we first competed at the Nationals, we had no coaches, no experience and very limited resources, yet we still won medals. I believe that warrior spirit is part of who we are," the founder said.
The biggest challenges were funding and awareness. "Many people didn't take the sport seriously because there were no professional events in Nagaland. We received promises of support that never materialised, so we had to build everything ourselves."
He acknowledged the early support of another Naga, Yanpvuo Kikon, describing it as crucial to the community's growth.
Today, Naga Arm Benders organises events that are energetic and welcoming, attracting athletes, students, labourers, fitness enthusiasts and curious spectators alike. "What surprises first-time spectators most is how technical arm wrestling is. Most think it's all about strength, but technique plays a huge role."
Technique over myth
The biggest misconception, according to Dominic, is that arm wrestling is simply about pushing someone's arm sideways. "It involves pronation, supination, cupping, back pressure, side pressure, hand control, leverage and strategy. It's one of the most technical strength sports in the world."
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Training begins by identifying a puller's natural strengths—whether side pressure, hand strength or endurance—and building from there. “Strength is very important, but arm wrestling is also a mental sport that requires patience, confidence, discipline and the ability to perform under pressure.”
As for style, versatility is key. "I can use hook, top roll or press depending on the situation. Because I understand different styles, I can coach athletes according to what suits them best. There is no singular ‘Naga style’ yet. We are still learning from the rest of India, and we still have a long way to go."
Self-built, self-sustaining
For the organisation, being the state's "official community" means structured athlete development, competitions, selections and national representation.
But it is also literal. "Avilie and I personally built this gym from the ground up—the lights, roof, flooring, equipment and much more. We also build our own arm wrestling equipment, sell our own products and work on our own merchandise. Our goal is to become completely self-sufficient one day."
Although Dominic had few local rivals and later shifted his focus towards promoting the sport after winning at the national level, he said the community's achievements inspire him far more than his own.
"What inspires me most is not my own achievements, but the achievements of our athletes. Considering that we started with no infrastructure, no coaches and very limited resources, these accomplishments show how far we've come."
Looking ahead
Over the next five years, Dominic hopes to establish Naga Arm Benders as one of India's strongest arm wrestling communities.
"I want Naga Arm Benders to be self-sustaining and one of the strongest arm wrestling communities in India. I want to see more national champions, more athletes representing India internationally and a system that continues to grow regardless of whether I am personally involved every day."
He believes the sport offers young Nagas an opportunity to balance athletics with education and careers.
"Arm wrestling can easily be balanced with education and careers. Many top arm wrestlers are students, doctors and engineers. You don't need to sacrifice your future to pursue the sport. It teaches discipline, confidence and resilience while providing a positive community."
Advice and open doors
For those hoping to start their own club, his advice is simple: "Start small with a few passionate people and stay consistent. Trust the process. If you ever need guidance, feel free to reach out."
His final message is equally straightforward: "Don't wait for opportunities—create them. We started with nothing, and today we have won over 30 national medals, two ‘Champion of Champions’ titles and produced a world champion."
He also thanked everyone who has supported the organisation's journey and welcomed collaborations with brands and organisations interested in supporting the growth of arm wrestling in Nagaland.