Pro Panja League Season 2: From Driving Auto Rickshaw To Arm Wrestling, Shoukath VT's Unstoppable Journey Continues
During the day, he drives his auto rickshaw through the streets of Kerala, but at night, his hands are locked on an armwrestling table. Kochi KD's arm wrestler Shoukath VT's rise from a simple life to the bright lights of the Pro Panja League is truly amazing.
The sport is yet to find its feet in India, but Shoukath's success on the arm wrestling table has inspired people to start taking an interest in the sport. Not only did he shine on the big stage in Season 1, but he also played a key role in helping Kochi KD win the title.
As Season 2 draws closer, Shoukath is raring to go once again. The man who drives people around the city during the day will once again try to lead his team to another championship. In an exclusive interview with The Free Press Journal, Shoukath talks about his background, the difficulties and how ProPanja League has been a game changer for him.
Q: You won the championship with Kochi KD in Season 1. So, how are you feeling coming into Season 2?
I'm very happy to be part of Season 2, and this time too, our team is preparing well to win the title.
Q: Arm wrestling is not a very popular sport in India. What made you take up the sport?
I was 17 when I first went to the gym and saw the Panja table. While practising, people in the gym told me that I have the power and should continue to practice well. At that time, there was an Asian champion in Kerala by the name of Jeebin PA in my weight category (55 kg category). I practised well for a year and beat him at the state-level championship.
Q: How do you manage time for practice even after driving an autorickshaw? Do you have a fixed schedule?
I wake up at 5 in the morning. I practice for 2 hours. After that, I go to work, and once again I practice in the evening.
Q: How difficult was it for you to manage things financially while also continuing to take part in armwrestling competitions?
It was very difficult financially. Even when I was going to the national competition, I used to save some money every day. When I was going to the Asian championships, one of my friends gave me Rs. 15,000 and another Rs. 10,000. I used to save the rest of the money in the auto.
If this competition is outside, then we will not go. It is very difficult. But I have not taken the money yet. I used to save some money and give it to my family. Even my friends used to tell me that if I wanted money, I would save it. I used to save it in the auto. There is no one else.
Q: For how long have you been competing in Arm Wrestling competitions?
It's been 25 years since I have been doing arm wrestling and have won 16 national medals. I also qualified for the world championships numerous times, but due to financial problems, I was not able to go and take part.
I participated in the Asian International Cup held in India, in which I won 3 gold and a silver. A couple of months back, there was another Asian event where I won 2 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze. There is an international competition in September for which there is a selection. I don't have the money to go. If I get a sponsor, I will go.
Q: Is there any person from your family who loves arm wrestling or have taken part in the sport?
My wife also likes panja and she is currently part of Rohtak Roadies team. My son who is 16 years old now practices and has expressed desire to take part in the selection of Pro Panja League next season (he laughs). Besides them there is no one else in my family who took part in arm wrestling before.
Q: How happy are you to be part of the Pro Panja League?
The Pro Panja League has made the sport pretty big as people have now started to recognise it. This is a huge platform built by Parvin Sir and Priti Ma'am. I am happy to get a chance to play. People from here are also asking me about how to come and take part in the Pro Panja League. I ask them to practice well and try to get selected through the selection tournament.
Q: How have things changed for you after Pro Panja League?
I used to go to the national and win medals but my friends and family did not have idea about it. After watching me in Pro Panja things have changed. My family and friends have started watching my matches on TV. They wholeheartdly support Kochi KD’s team and want them to win Season 2 as well
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