AFIYA BEGUM completed her high school education at Sacred Heart School Dibrugarh and Secondary School education from Little Flower School. She then completed her B.Com and M.Com from Hanumanbax Surajmall Kanoi (DHSK) College at Dibrugarh in Assam. In an interview with MOHD NAUSHAD KHAN, she expressed her wish to pay a tribute to her late father as well as to serve the state and the nation by opening a “sports academy” for all sports, not only for arm wrestling. She also wished to nurture sport heroes to represent India in international competitions. Excerpts:
As an Arm Wrestler, what has been your achievement so far?
As an arm-wrestler, I have achieved a lot in my career. My journey as an arm-wrestler started from the year 2016. In about 7 to 8 years of journey, I have got a handful amount of experience and confidence. I have achieved a lot and have won Gold, Silver and Bronze and many trophies. As a trio, I participated in our college week games and from there got selected for the district level. Based on my performance, I qualified for the state level.
In Goa, at the national level games, I won silver both in right and left hand category and that was the turning point of my life. It earned me name and fame and got my identity. I used to feel a sense of pride and satisfaction whenever I heard someone saying, “Wo dekho Wasim Sahab ki beti ja rhi he jo wrestler hai.” That was really a proud moment for me.
How did you start your arm wrestling? What were the challenges before you?
I started it just for fun. In my college, authorities saw the spark in me and encouraged me to move ahead and participate at state level. I qualified to represent India at the World Championship in France in September 2022 and the Asian Championship in Malaysia in June 2022 based on my performance at the Second National Arm-wrestling Championship, which was held from May 18–20, 2022, in Goa.
At the 2022 Asian Championship in Malaysia and the 2022 World Championship in France, I was unable to represent India due to financial burden. It was a setback; I had high hopes of winning the gold medal. I am still hopeful, will make another attempt in 2024 and will win Gold for India.
After my father passed away, life became more difficult. He was the family’s head and the only source of income. I never thought about stopping playing games, but I needed few breaks to refresh before going back to my practice sessions for any forthcoming tournament. The loss of my father considerably diminished my strength in many respects, but it also gave me some courage to fulfil his wish and that was my success. Since my father passed away, my family has been my primary source of support. My mother provided for my financial needs, emotional and mental support.
Just for our readers, please tell us something about arm wrestling and how it is played?
The participants in arm-wrestling are referred to as pullers rather than players. Simply put, it means that as we make contact with the opponent’s table, we must raise our wrists. Both the techniques – the hook and the top roll – are beneficial for the pullers and by just with the Ready Go of the referee the pullers try to defeat each other.
What do you think state and central governments should do to encourage sports in India?
Boys and girls from Assam can win more medals for India in national and international sporting competitions with the aid of a strong sports infrastructure at the district and state levels with specialised quality training. There are many in Assam like me who, if given professional knowledge and training, might make Assam or perhaps India proud. Youth have shown some enthusiasm and a desire for sports over the past ten years, which is a sign of positive development.
Finally, what do you like to achieve in your life and what would you like to do for the country after achieving your goal?
I am preparing myself to qualify and perform at the World Arm-wrestling Championship to be held in 2024. Securing good position there and bringing gold to the country is my dream. As a tribute to my late father, I wish to open a “sports academy” for all sports, not only for arm wrestling. I wish to serve my state and my nation and nurture sport heroes to represent India in international competitions. This academy will be free for all.