The PWL 2026 kicked off on January 15, with the grand finale scheduled for February 1, marking the return of the league after six-year hiatus.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"The next PWL season will be held across all major cities. This time, due to time constraints, the league was organised only at the Noida Stadium. However, next season everyone will get the opportunity to enjoy the excitement,\" WFI chief Sanjay Singh told IANS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On the revival of the Pro Wrestling League, Sanjay Singh said the competition had earlier benefitted wrestlers significantly but was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He added that sustained efforts from the federation and government eventually led to its return.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe wrestlers benefited a lot from the league earlier, but it had to be stopped because of Covid. After that, there was a gap due to various reasons, but everyone \u2014 the federation and the government \u2014 kept pushing to restart it in some way so the wrestlers could benefit again,\u201d Singh said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Headlined by Japan\u2019s Yui Susaki, who attracted a record bid of Rs 60 lakh from the Haryana Thunders, women wrestlers emerged as the top attractions in the player auctions for the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Alongside Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Susaki, World Championship medallist Antim Panghal was snapped up by UP Dominators for Rs 52 lakh in the women\u2019s 53 kg category, while Puerto Rico\u2019s Ana Godinez fetched Rs 46 lakh from Punjab Royals in the women\u2019s 62 kg division. Delhi Dangal Warriors added further depth to their squad by securing Azerbaijan\u2019s Anastasiya Alpayeva for Rs 27 lakh in the women\u2019s 76 kg category.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Highlighting the impact of PWL on wrestler development, Singh said competing against foreign opponents helped raise standards and confidence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere are two big benefits. One is that our wrestlers get to compete against foreign wrestlers, which removes fear and builds belief. You saw the match against Yu Yu Sasaki go the full six minutes. That kind of exposure helps everyone,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking about the current season, Singh said the league has regained momentum. \u201cThe league is currently at its peak with full enthusiasm,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On the introduction of rules like the power minute and revised technical superiority limits, Singh said the intent was to add excitement while maintaining the sport\u2019s core structure.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe Olympic technical superiority rule remains the same. We have increased it slightly here for entertainment. The Power Minute has brought excitement at the end of matches \u2014 both wrestlers and spectators feel that energy,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Singh reaffirmed that PWL would now be a permanent fixture on the sporting calendar. \u201cPWL is now a regular event. It has started again and it will not stop. Viewership will keep increasing, and after cricket, PWL has the potential to become the next biggest league,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe Olympic technical superiority rule remains the same. We have increased it slightly here for entertainment. The Power Minute has brought excitement at the end of matches \u2014 both wrestlers and spectators feel that energy,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Assessing the league\u2019s success, Singh said the organisers had met their initial expectations despite a short preparation window. \u201cWe achieved what we had set out to do this season. The league was organised in just 20\u201325 days. For the next season, we will have more time and we will do it better. We are learning every day and fixing shortcomings,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n