By Phibalumlang Kharkongor
Shillong, May 24: In Nongrah Lum Marboh, Shillong, 25-year-old Aiboklang Paul Wanniang leads a life of quiet determination. A Bachelor of Education student at the College of Teacher Education PGT Shillong by day, Aiboklang is also carving a name for himself in a sport that often flies under the radar, arm wrestling.
His journey began in the schoolyard, long before he knew the sport had international recognition. “Back then, we believed the best way to prove who was strongest in class was through arm wrestling,” he recalls. It was a casual contest among friends, not something he imagined would define a major part of his life. That changed in 2017 during a college sports week at St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, where he witnessed the sport in a structured, competitive format. “That changed everything for me. I started watching videos, reading articles, and learning as much as I could. I didn’t even know it was a professional sport until then.”
With no coach or mentor, Aiboklang became his own trainer. Drawing from his early passion for martial arts, including taekwondo and karate, he found discipline and motivation. “Arm wrestling came into my life unexpectedly, but once it did, it felt right,” he says. He turned to the internet, studying techniques and injury prevention, and closely followed international athletes, especially from Kazakhstan, a powerhouse in the sport. “Watching them made me realise how far I could go if I really committed.”
His training is built around focus and consistency. “Unlike other sports, arm wrestling relies more on tendons than muscles. Tendons take much longer to strengthen and recover, so I train every day but only target the areas that matter on the table,” he explains. “I keep things simple, but I rarely take rest days. I listen to my body.”
In 2023, he had the opportunity to compete at the World Arm Wrestling Championship in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the very country that had inspired him from the start. “I didn’t win a medal, but the experience gave me something more valuable. It showed me the level I still need to reach and deepened my motivation.” For Aiboklang, preparation goes beyond physical training. “The week before a match, I focus on the mental aspect. I visualise the match, the opponent, the outcome. That mindset is crucial.”
He believes many still misunderstand the sport. “People think its all brute force or worry about broken arms, but there are techniques and strategies involved. What some call tricks are actually trained moves. It’s about timing, control, and precision.”
Though defeats are part of the journey, he handles them with grace. “I believe in the spirit of sportsmanship. Every match, win or lose, teaches you something new.” He’s also grateful for the arm-wrestling community. “It’s a small circle but very supportive. You can’t get stronger alone. You need partners who challenge you.”
Looking ahead, Aiboklang’s goal is to become a world champion. At the same time, he’s preparing for a future in teaching and mentoring. “Whether in sports or in education, I want to help others reach their highest potential. That’s what drives me.” His advice to beginners is simple: “Learn technique first. Strength will come, but without technique, you will not progress.”
For Aiboklang, arm wrestling is not just a sport—it’s a path of growth, self-discovery, and lifting others along the way.
