The first day of Asian Championships 2014 is over. 176 contestants entered to compete. Today the left and right arm fights were fought, in 36 weight categories. Kazakhstan sportsmen are at the fore, with Japanese and Uzbekistan.

The Asian Championships have taken place in various locations, and were organized at various levels of expertise – says Assan Hadjitorov, WAF president. – I must admit I see a lot of hope and potential in the Japanese Armwrestling Association. It’s clear that with a right supervision, they are capable of delivering at very high levels. Some time ago, we at the WAF have set ourselves a goal – organizing a continental championship at the level of the Europeans or the World Championships. That’s why we’re here, helping the hosts organize this event. Asia has a long way to go, and lots to learn.

The first day is over. Before I came to Sendai, I feared that day – the day of almost all categories and weights, except seniors and juniors 21. I have to admit now that everyone did a great job, the referees and the contestants. There were almost no trip-ups. The only inconvenience is the small number of referees. But I hope there’ll be more every year.

Marcin Mielniczuk, Scoring Director of WAF