Pune, Feb 12: In a move that reimagined the boundaries of sports presentation, billionaire industrialists and philanthropists Yohan Poonawalla and Michelle Poonawalla recently hosted an exclusive Pro Panja League event at their Pune mansion, transforming the private residence into an elite competitive arena. Unlike traditional stadiums or arenas, the residential setting offered an unprecedented, close-quarter experience, making it the only sporting format in India to be staged within a private home, a distinction that set the evening apart.
Pro Panja League, is India’s premier professional arm-wrestling league, founded by Parvin Dabas and Preeti Jhangiani. With arm wrestling enjoying massive international popularity and rapidly expanding its footprint in India, Pro Panja has emerged as a modern, spectator-driven league that blends athletic rigour with contemporary presentation. The association also held personal significance for the family, as Pro Panja League was introduced to Yohan Poonawalla by his son, Zayan. With a keen interest in the sport, Zayan actively practices, deeply immersing himself in its spirit. His passion sparked a deeper connection with the league and its athletes, ultimately inspiring the family to host the event at their home. This gesture made the association both meaningful and a strong show of support for India’s homegrown sporting talent. Hosting the league at an unconventional space, aligned seamlessly with The Poonawallas and Pro Panja’s vision of making the sport more immersive, intimate, and accessible to new audiences.
The evening live streamed at Swen app, featured two high-intensity bouts, showcasing some of the most promising and established names in Indian arm wrestling. A defining dimension to the event was the inclusion of a women’s match, reinforcing Pro Panja’s commitment to inclusivity and the growing prominence of female athletes in strength sports. Match 1 saw a thrilling women’s bout between Olivia Dkhar, the 18-year-old National and Meghalaya State Champion and one of the youngest athletes in PPL representing MP Hathodas, and Bimla Rawat of Delhi, the 2025 PAFI Female Arm-wrestler of the Year, four-time gold medallist at the 2025 Nationals, playing for Jaipur Veers. Match 2 featured a heavyweight showdown with Tushar Awasthi, the reigning Youth and Senior Heavyweight Champion and multiple-time Delhi State Champion from MP Hathodas, taking on Paarth Sonni, Mumbai’s multiple-time National and State Heavyweight Champion and Champion of Champions representing Mumbai Muscle. Match 3 delivered elite power as Yuvraj Verma, the reigning Champion of Champions and multiple-time National and Delhi State Champion from Mumbai Muscle, faces Aabhas Rana of Meerut, the 18-year-old Junior World Champion, reigning Asian Champion, hook-style specialist, and the youngest male player in PPL, representing Kiraak Hyderabad, Season 2 champions.
Commenting on the evening, Yohan Poonawalla, Chairman, Poonawalla Group said, “Sport has an incredible ability to unite people across backgrounds, and that spirit is something we deeply value. Hosting Pro Panja at our home was about supporting a league that is modern, inclusive, and globally relevant, while offering athletes and audiences an environment that truly celebrates the sport. ”
Commenting on the evening, Michelle Poonawalla, Director, Poonawalla Group said, “For me, sport is as much about emotion and connection as it is about strength and competition. Bringing Pro Panja League into our home was a conscious choice to break conventions and create a setting where athletes, especially women are seen, celebrated, and felt up close. It was inspiring to witness such raw talent and determination in an environment that encouraged intimacy, inclusivity, and new ways of experiencing sport.”
Commenting on the event, Pro Panja League Co-Founders Preeti Jhangiani and Parvin Dabas said, “The Pro Panja League was built to be flexible, inclusive, and open to new ways of experiencing sport. Hosting the Mega Matches at the Poonawalla residence reflected that spirit perfectly, bringing athletes and audiences closer than ever. We’re grateful to Yohan and Michelle Poonawalla for all their support and openness in making this event happen, and to Ajay Marwah for his role in coordinating a truly unique evening.”
By opening their Pune mansion to a progressive league like Pro Panja, Yohan and Michelle Poonawalla once again demonstrated their role as legacy makers, individuals who don’t merely associate with excellence but actively create platforms where new sporting narratives are born. Their support continues to bridge the worlds of elite sport, culture, and contemporary India, setting benchmarks for how sport can be hosted, experienced, and remembered.