Arm wrestling in China proving gripping stuff as competitors hope to raise its profile
- More than 100 people took part in the recent 7th Shanghai Arm Wrestling Open, while fan associations exist in over 100 Chinese cities
- Many of the sport’s aficionados are trying to change its public perception, saying it is not just for entertainment
Muscles bulging and veins popping, two Chinese arm wrestlers lock eyes and then their hands, until the referee shouts “Go!”
Already considered a serious sport in many parts of the world, arm wrestling has generally been viewed in China as a testosterone showdown between inebriated bar patrons.
But it is gaining an arm hold with fan associations in more than 100 Chinese cities, says Ye Ming, founder of Shanghai Arm Wrestling. More than 100 competitors took part in the recent 7th Shanghai Arm Wrestling Open, which calls itself the first in China carried out under the auspices of the Professional Armwrestling League’s international ranking system.
“Arm wrestling is a way to shake hands and communicate face-to-face,” says Ye, a top-ranked left-hander, adding that while China lags the US, Japan and Europe, it is the fastest-growing country in terms of participation.
The bespectacled 37-year-old is an unlikely champion.