panchanan-byam-samity

Our History

Panchanan Bayam Samity is one of the oldest Wrestling clubs in India. It was established in 1881 by Nihar Chandra Saha, Social Reformer. Nandalal Saha son of Nihar Chandra Saha was the first President of Panchanan Bayam Samity. Nandalal was a famous wrestler of his time and fought a lot of professional wrestlers. During his time he coached and mentored a lot of National Champions such as Sushil Saha, Jadunandan Singh, Sudhir Saha, Gupteswar Misra, and Beni Dutta.

Sir Harishankar Pal was the President of the club after Nandalal Saha. After Nandalal, his son Sudhir Chandra Saha took over the responsibility of the club as General Secretary. Sudhir Saha competed in various state and national level championships winning the state championship several times and getting the silver medal in the nationals. Sudhir Saha was India’s first International Judge/Referee. Sudhir’s elder brothers Subol and Sushil were reputed wrestlers too. Sushil went on to become National Champion and coached several wrestlers during his time. The club and the West Bengal Wrestling Association reached their peak under the able leadership, guidance, and supervision of Sudhir Chandra Saha. Also during this time Sudhir Saha with the help of Surjeet Singh Majithia, Honorary Member, F.I.L.A, President, W.F.I, managed to put India on the global map of Wrestling. Historian Dr. Kiran Chandra Chowdhury, principal of Maharaja Manindra Chandra College also acted as the President of the club.

After Sudhir Chandra Saha, his son Asit Kumar Saha took over the responsibility of the club. Asit Kumar Saha is the current Honourable General Secretary, West Bengal Wrestling Association & Vice President Wrestling Federation Of India. He has been engaged in the sport of wrestling since his childhood. He is an International Coach and was an International Judge/Referee as well. He was also the coach of the Indian wrestling team for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Panchanan Bayam Samity has produced 3 Olympians,34 National Champions, and 3 International Judge/Referees.

 

The Olympic training camp for 1948 and 1952 Olympic Games was held at the Panchanan Bayam Samity under the guidance of Sudhir Saha, Sushil Saha, and G Misra. India’s first individual medal winner K.D. Jaghav attended both camps and was placed 6th in the 1948 Olympic Games and 3rd in the 1952 Olympic Games.