Pro Wrestling League Set to Make a Grand Comeback in January 2026
The excitement is palpable in the world of sports as the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has declared the highly anticipated return of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL), scheduled to kick off in mid-January 2026. Having concluded its last season in 2019, the PWL is coming back with a redesigned public-private partnership model aimed at providing Indian wrestlers with a platform on the global stage and enhancing preparations for the Olympics while also championing women's wrestling.
This announcement was made during a press conference, proudly graced by Shri Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of WFI and a notable political figure. He enthusiastically remarked, "Wrestling is not just a sport in India; it is an integral part of our heritage. The Pro Wrestling League will serve as a bridge connecting our traditional akhadas with the international arena."
Sanjay Kumar Singh, the current president of WFI, reflected on the substantial impact of cricket's IPL, stating, "Just as IPL revolutionized cricket, PWL aims to do the same for wrestling. This league will function as a training ground for future Indian champions, paving the way for them to bring home medals from the Olympics, Asian Games, and beyond. We are particularly eager to emphasize our Matri Shakti, empowering women wrestlers to dominate on a global scale."
The PWL promises thrilling matchups featuring India's best grapplers alongside international stars from prominent wrestling nations. The league is structured on a franchise model, offering lucrative opportunities for corporate participation and private investment. Dayaan Farooqui, the president and promoter of PWL, highlighted the league's focus on sustainability by stating, "The Pro Wrestling League is built on an independent, commercially viable model that benefits both athletes and investors. Our mission is to elevate wrestling to a mainstream sport, drawing the same levels of enthusiasm and fan investment seen in India's top leagues."
Akhil Gupta, CEO of PWL, emphasized the league's player-centric approach, noting that a robust financial structure, including contracts, incentives, and partnerships, will enable athletes to focus solely on their performance. COO Sumit Dubey will lead efforts to forge partnerships with franchises and sponsors to ensure smooth operational and commercial execution.
Details regarding the season's schedule, franchise owners, and international participants will be unveiled in the near future. WFI remains steadfast in its mission to place wrestling, one of India's oldest sports, back in the global spotlight once again.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is the governing body overseeing wrestling in the country. It is affiliated with both the Indian Olympic Association and United World Wrestling.
The Pro Wrestling League represents India's first professional wrestling competition, designed to empower athletes and elevate the sport to a global level.
This announcement was made during a press conference, proudly graced by Shri Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of WFI and a notable political figure. He enthusiastically remarked, "Wrestling is not just a sport in India; it is an integral part of our heritage. The Pro Wrestling League will serve as a bridge connecting our traditional akhadas with the international arena."
Sanjay Kumar Singh, the current president of WFI, reflected on the substantial impact of cricket's IPL, stating, "Just as IPL revolutionized cricket, PWL aims to do the same for wrestling. This league will function as a training ground for future Indian champions, paving the way for them to bring home medals from the Olympics, Asian Games, and beyond. We are particularly eager to emphasize our Matri Shakti, empowering women wrestlers to dominate on a global scale."
The PWL promises thrilling matchups featuring India's best grapplers alongside international stars from prominent wrestling nations. The league is structured on a franchise model, offering lucrative opportunities for corporate participation and private investment. Dayaan Farooqui, the president and promoter of PWL, highlighted the league's focus on sustainability by stating, "The Pro Wrestling League is built on an independent, commercially viable model that benefits both athletes and investors. Our mission is to elevate wrestling to a mainstream sport, drawing the same levels of enthusiasm and fan investment seen in India's top leagues."
Akhil Gupta, CEO of PWL, emphasized the league's player-centric approach, noting that a robust financial structure, including contracts, incentives, and partnerships, will enable athletes to focus solely on their performance. COO Sumit Dubey will lead efforts to forge partnerships with franchises and sponsors to ensure smooth operational and commercial execution.
Details regarding the season's schedule, franchise owners, and international participants will be unveiled in the near future. WFI remains steadfast in its mission to place wrestling, one of India's oldest sports, back in the global spotlight once again.
About WFI
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is the governing body overseeing wrestling in the country. It is affiliated with both the Indian Olympic Association and United World Wrestling.
About PWL
The Pro Wrestling League represents India's first professional wrestling competition, designed to empower athletes and elevate the sport to a global level.
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