Sachin is a first name most popularly associated with India's most famous cricketer, a certain Tendulkar, but in the world of Indian arm wrestling its Sachin Goyal who rules the roost.
Known as India's 'Bicep King', the 26-year-old Sachin is making waves in the world of arm wrestling and will be turning out for the MP Hathodas in the second season of the Pro Panja League beginning August 5.
Sachin recalls the genesis of his nickname with an interesting story.
"There was a contest which was organised by Pro Panja and everyone had to send the photos of their biceps and most of the people liked my biceps. From there, I got this nickname of 'Bicep King'. Now, all of India calls me 'Bicep King'. People like my biceps and find it attractive. I have been into arm wrestling since nine years. Initially I did not have great biceps and it was ok and once I started working hard at it, it became good.
I used to take part in junior events initially and then moved to the senior category," he added.
The Gwalior-based arm wrestler recollected how he was initiated into the sport.
"I had joined a gym and there I got in touch with Manish sir. He was a disabled player and he used to do arm wrestling. So there he saw my strength and I used to lift 20 kgs of dumbbells there and he got really impressed and suggested that I get into arm wrestling since I was so young also. So I got into arm wrestling and when I used to compete initially, I would lose most of the time. Even younger kids would beat me and humiliate me by defeating me. Then I got this strong urge within me that I really want to get into arm wrestling."
Sachin stated that Pro Panja League has completely changed the face of arm wrestling in India.
" Earlier, when Pro Panja League was not there, arm wrestling was not so developed. Once in a while there used to be a national championship or state championship. District-level was very rare. Now, everything has changed. There is arm wrestling happening everywhere. Every month some or the other arm wrestling competition is always happening," Sachin added.
Talking about his journey in the PPL, Sachin revealed that he has come through the ranks in terms of qualification.
"Yes, I was in the first season. I was in the first ranking tournament and in the second ranking tournament. Then in the first season and now going to participate in the second season. In the first season I was playing for the Baroda Badshahs and now I will represent MP Hathodas," he added.
Sachin also said he has other sporting interests like bodybuilding which he has explored to some extent.
"I have tried bodybuilding on a few occasions. My friends would tell me to participate in bodybuilding events as you have a good body and that's why I got into it. So, I got a bronze medal in one of the bodybuilding events that I took part in."
He stated that he had also taken part in international competitions and won medals.
"I had taken part in Asian Championships in Dubai and apart from that I had taken part in a competition in Uzbekistan where I received a bronze medal.
The young lad felt India is now the top nation when it comes to arm wrestling and PPL has provided arm wrestlers with a huge platform.
"India is now the top nation when it comes to arm wrestling. Now, PPL is such a big platform that you don't have anything like this anywhere. Even some top international players will be playing here in some years to come. In terms of learnings, PPL has ensured that we become big stars. Earlier, nobody used to know us much but now everything has changed," he added.
