At just 22, Sachin Goyal, hailing from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, has earned a fearsome reputation as the nation’s top arm-wrestler. Known widely as the “Bicep King of India”, Sachin shot to fame after dominating national tournaments, earning gold in both senior right-arm competitions in the 80 kg category.
Sachin Goyal is the player of the Baroda Badshahs franchise of Pro Panja League.
His astonishing rise began a few years ago when, a young man from Gwalior, he tried arm-wrestling and quickly found his calling. A key breakthrough came in 2019 at the senior nationals in Bhilai, where he clinched gold—an achievement that made him commit to the sport full time.
Across inaugural Pro Panja League (PPL) Season 1, Sachin emerged as a fan favourite. His electrifying performances in the 80 kg category had crowds chanting “Sachinnnn…”, with even opposing players joining in. Though he fell short in a close match against Asker Ali, that defeat sparked redeployment rather than discouragement, pushing him to refine his technique and speed.
Most recently, he claimed a bronze in the right-arm senior category at the 2024 Asian Arm‑wrestling Championship in Tashkent, cementing his place as one of India’s premier athletes.
With Season 2 of the Pro Panja League set to air daily from August 5, 2025, on Sony Sports (Ten 3 HD/SD) for 17 days of IPL-style franchise competition, all eyes are on Sachin to claim the crown.
Sachin, you’ve achieved so much already, what drives you every day?
Sachin Goyal: “It’s all about passion. I can’t live without arm-wrestling. Starting my day at 8 am and training till 3 pm, lifting heavy like 180 kg pulls, 65 kg dumbbell curls, holding 95 kg, and training grip with rope workouts—it keeps me going. I train hard every single day for PPL and international glory.”
Tell us about your experience in PPL Season 1, what stands out?
Sachin: “My favourite memory? Hearing the crowd chanting ‘Sachin…’ when I walked to the table. My team, Baroda Badshahs, cheered me loudly, even opponents joined in. It was incredible to see family and friends witness my first televised performance.”
You lost to Asker Ali in Season 1. How do you plan on bouncing back?
Sachin: “That’s the nature of sport. Losing taught me a lesson: improve by just 10% and you can change the outcome. So I’ve worked extremely hard on my top roll and my speed. In Season 2, I’m determined to turn that result around.”
What’s your training and nutrition like now that PPL Season 2 is approaching?
Sachin: “I’m following a high-protein diet, boiled chicken, eggs, nuts, almond milk to fuel heavy pulling and rope routines. My daily regime includes 180 kg pulls, 60 kg dumbbell curls, cardio, chin-ups, and stretching. I even hold 95 kg dumbbells statically to build grip.”
How do you view the Pro Panja League as a platform for you and the sport?
Sachin: “PPL has changed everything. From being a simple sport, arm-wrestling is now professional. I believe PPL will soon become the world’s best league. I’m proud that we arm-wrestlers are gaining visibility and respect across India.”
What are you aiming for on the international stage?
Sachin: “My dream? A world championship gold. Right now, no Indian in my category has won it yet. I want to be the first. If I combine my strengths and win at world level, I’ll be proud to put India on the arm-wrestling map.”
Sachin Goyal’s journey from a passionate junior pulling at local tables to earning medals internationally and becoming a PPL superstar is nothing short of inspirational. As he prepares for Season 2 starting August 5, his focus and dedication shine brighter than ever. With a renewed game plan against former rivals and an eye on global glory, the “Bicep King” is set to make his mark yet again—this time, on television screens nationwide and on the world stage.
Stay tuned when Season 2 of Pro Panja League airs from August 5, 2025, on Sony Sports Network, featuring top-tier athletes like Sachin chasing glory.