AFFILIATION

By Pak Pro ArmWrestling Fedration | Lahore, October 12, 2025

In a groundbreaking development that’s sending shockwaves through Pakistan’s combat sports community, the Pak Pro Arm Wrestling Federation (PPAF) has officially been affiliated with the prestigious International Federation of Armwrestling (IFA). This long-awaited union, announced today, marks a pivotal moment for the sport in Pakistan, elevating local talent to the global stage and opening doors for international competitions, standardized rules, and enhanced athlete development. After years of dedicated grassroots efforts, PPAF’s affiliation with IFA—the international governing body headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, and organizer of the annual IFA World Armwrestling Championships—signals the dawn of a professional era for Pakistani arm wrestlers.

The affiliation comes at a time when arm wrestling is surging in popularity across Pakistan, evolving from street-side showdowns to structured leagues under PPAF’s innovative banner. Founded to professionalize the sport with pro-style staging, fair refereeing, and youth programs, PPAF has hosted electrifying events like Pak Power Fights (PPF) Seasons 1-3, drawing thousands and crowning champions such as Muhammad Noman Khan (MNK), Usman Ghani, and Hassan Shah. This new tie-up with IFA aligns PPAF with the world’s top standards, including WADA compliance for clean competition and access to elite training resources. As an IFA member, Pakistan can now send official teams to world events, participate in European and Asian qualifiers, and host sanctioned tournaments that count toward global rankings.

PPAF President and Founder Shahzaib (Jibran Khan), the trailblazer who introduced international-style arm wrestling stages to Pakistan, hailed the news as a “dream realized.” “This affiliation isn’t just paperwork—it’s a launchpad for our warriors to compete on the biggest platforms, from Baku to beyond,” Khan said in an exclusive statement. “We’ve built a federation rooted in discipline, respect, and unbreakable spirit; now, with IFA’s backing, we’ll bring home medals that inspire generations.” Under Chairman Jaffar Hussain’s visionary guidance—who laid PPAF’s foundation and sponsored athletes to international exposure—the federation has already nurtured undefeated streaks and clean records that resonate with IFA’s ethos.

Key figures like Vice President Usman Ghani, the “Top Roll Machine” with 30 national golds and founder of Ghani Equipment, emphasized the impact on training. “As a mentor to rising stars like Hassan Shah, this means access to IFA’s global clinics and tech—our toprolls and hooks will go world-class,” Ghani noted. General Secretary and Head Coach Hafiz Haider, a former Mr. Pakistan with vast international experience, added that the affiliation ensures certified refereeing and table standards, eliminating past inconsistencies. Chief Selector Kamal Khan, whose son MNK embodies the federation’s legacy with titles like the 2025 Mr. Punjab, sees it as a scouting boon: “Our elite like MNK, with his dual-hand mastery, are ready to represent Pakistan at Worlds—this seals the path.”

The timing couldn’t be better, coinciding with the 2025 IFA World Armwrestling Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan (October 26–November 1), where Pakistani athletes will now compete under official IFA banners for the first time in a unified capacity. PPAF’s journey mirrors the sport’s growth in Pakistan: from informal 1980s street tests to the 2009 formation of the Pakistan Armwrestling Federation (PAF), and now PPAF’s pro pivot with events like PPF, which have amassed over 500,000 online views. This affiliation resolves long-standing hurdles like rule variations and limited global access, fostering unity across ABL, Zarar Group, and Lahore Beasts communities.

For aspiring arm wrestlers, the perks are immense: IFA-sanctioned certifications, international scholarships, and pathways to events like the 2026 IFA Worlds. PPAF plans to roll out affiliation-backed youth camps in early 2026, targeting under-21 talents to build on successes like Hassan Shah’s undefeated -70kg run. As Jaffar Hussain reflected, “We named and nurtured PPAF to bridge local grit with world glory—this is that bridge complete.”

Pakistan’s arm wrestling faithful are already buzzing on social media, with #PPAFIFA trending alongside calls for national trials. From Lahore gyms to Karachi tables, this affiliation isn’t just news—it’s a revolution. Grip tight, Pakistan: your pros are going global.