The 23-year-old Bandarika Kharkongor has a deceiving exterior while having an innocent and harmless appearance. Her facial expression changes as soon as she is on the Panja table, displaying a strong resolve that frightens her opponents.
Bandarika, a native of Shillong, Meghalaya, is currently taking part in the Pro Panja League’s first season for the Mumbai Muscle franchise at the IGI Stadium in New Delhi.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from St. Edmund’s College in Shillong and currently resides with her mother, three sisters, and sister number three. She is also pursuing a certificate in fashion. She is a social worker back home, spearheading the effort to combat drug misuse.
Bandarika has always been interested in sports, but she never imagined that a few years from now she would be a competitive armwrestler. She claims, “I participated in athletics while I was a student. However, when I got to college, there was an armwrestling tournament going on, so I chose to participate. Ever since then, I haven’t looked back.
The referees who used to visit our college told her that if she wanted to pursue armwrestling as a sport, she should take it seriously and work harder in order to succeed. She went on to say, “I won in my college competitions and afterwards, I was selected for inter-college tournaments.
Arm wrestling is an adrenaline rush for Bandarika rather than merely a sport. “For me, whenever I see armwrestling tournaments taking place everywhere, my heart begins to race and I feel the want to enter each contest. I’m always thinking about armwrestling and urging my pals to join me in a match. When I engage in armwrestling, I feel alive.
Bandarika gives her mother credit for being at her side the whole time. “My mom has been my pillar of strength,” she claims. Every time I compete, she always encourages me to give it everything I’ve got. She follows all of my games and has instilled in me the value of never giving up no matter what.
The 23-year-old also discussed how Pro Panja League can aid emerging athletes in gaining the recognition that armwrestlers so richly deserve. The Pro Panja League is unique for armwrestlers, she noted. Everyone will have the chance to demonstrate their abilities and talents on a worldwide stage thanks to this league. Additionally, if they want to continue playing in this fantastic league, it will inspire them to put in even more effort.
The athlete said, “I would also want to use this opportunity to educate everyone that if you want to participate in any activity, you may face problems. However, always remember to never give up and believe in yourself.
Bandarika anticipates that additional armwrestlers from the North-East will join the league in the future. She claims, “There are a number of people from the NE area in this inaugural season, including Tridip Medhi, Chetna Sharma, and Ribasuk Lyngdoh Mawphlang. In addition, the Meghalaya State Olympic Association has approved armwrestling as a sport, and the Meghalaya Games, which are later this year, will include it. There will be a lot of interest in it, and I have no doubt that in the future, we’ll see more arm wrestlers from the North East.
Bandarika will participate in the forthcoming World Armwrestling Championship, which will take place in Almaty, Kazakhstan from August 24 to September 3, 2023, after participating in the Pro Panja League.
