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
\u201cThe story behind the trophy reflects how we have paid attention to even the smallest details of the league. From the akhadas and states of all six teams participating, our team went and collected soil, which has been embedded into the trophy. We wanted to ensure that the trophy remains connected to the soil of the country. We have also added elements representing Lord Hanuman\u2019s mace on the side. A lot of thought has gone into it \u2014 the trophy has been ideated very carefully,\" Farooqi told IANS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier, headlined by Japan\u2019s Yui Susaki, who attracted a record bid of \u20b960 lakh from the Haryana Thunders, women wrestlers emerged as the top attractions in the player auctions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Alongside Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Susaki, World Championship medallist Antim Panghal was snapped up by UP Dominators for \u20b952 lakh in the women\u2019s 53 kg category, while Puerto Rico\u2019s Ana Godinez fetched \u20b946 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 \u20b927 lakh in the women\u2019s 76 kg category.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
All Category A+ wrestlers entered the auction with a base price of \u20b918 lakh, but several names saw significant escalations. Among the men, marquee signings included Robert Baran of Poland (\u20b955 lakh) for Maharashtra Kesari and Paris 2024 bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat (\u20b951 lakh) for Tigers of Mumbai Dangal, reflecting sustained demand for proven performers across weight classes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Alongside Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Susaki, World Championship medallist Antim Panghal was snapped up by UP Dominators for \u20b952 lakh in the women\u2019s 53 kg category, while Puerto Rico\u2019s Ana Godinez fetched \u20b946 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 \u20b927 lakh in the women\u2019s 76 kg category.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking about the power minute innovation and its impact on Indian wrestling, he said, \u201cIt has become a game-changer. At the last Olympics, we saw that our players were physically fresh, but medals were slipping away in the final moments. Through PWL, we introduced the Power Minute, which gives wrestlers the motivation to fight till the very last moment. Through PWL and through the Wrestling Federation, wrestling is getting massive recognition.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n