Guwahati: The Ryan Thomas Bowen, an Australian arm-wrestler, has been granted an extension of stay in India by the Gauhati High Court until July 13, 2026.
According to an interim order passed by Justice Kardak Ete in WP(C)/3069/2026, the court stayed a Leave India Notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Guwahati, on June 4 and directed that Bowen’s stay be extended. The order records that Bowen is undergoing medical treatment in India.
Bowen is scheduled to compete in a professional arm-wrestling supermatch on July 5 in Guwahati. The event, known as the Eliza Cup, will feature a 105-kg category match between Bowen and American arm-wrestler Brad Grundy. The contest is being promoted by Pound for Pound Armwrestling, a commercial promotion owned by Bowen.
The development has raised questions regarding the basis of the stay extension and Bowen’s participation in a professional sporting event while reportedly receiving medical treatment. The nature of the treatment has not been disclosed in the court order.
Another issue being discussed is Bowen’s visa status. According to available information, he entered India on January 24, 2026, on an e-Tourist visa. The 90-day stay period reportedly expired in late April. He applied for an extension on May 26, following which the FRRO issued a Leave India Notice on June 4. The High Court stayed the notice on June 10 and allowed him to remain in India until July 13.
The July 5 arm-wrestling event in Guwahati is expected to attract significant attention from the sport’s followers in India and abroad. However, questions regarding visa regulations and eligibility to participate in commercial sporting activities while on a tourist visa remain under discussion.
