Attracting some of the best arm wrestlers in the country, the 36th National Arm Wrestling Championship - 2012, being organised by the Kerala Arm Wrestling Association under the auspices of the Indian Arm Sport Federation, began at the Aquatic Complex in Thrissur on Saturday.
Therambil Ramakrishnan MLA inaugurated the Championship.
In the first day of the event, the wrestlers from Punjab gave a tough competition to players from other states, including Kerala.
Though the wrestlers from Kerala competed with full zeal, the wrestlers from Punjab upset the 12-time champion with some good performances.
While Punjab added two gold medals in its kitty, the host Kerala won only three silver medals.
A total of 500 contestants from 20 states are participating in the championship.
The Indian team meant for the international arm wrestling championship, which would be held in Spain in November, will be selected from this championship, said the organisers