Pro Wrestling League's Remarkable Return: Promoting Indian Wrestling Abroad
The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) is making a triumphant comeback, scheduled to kick off in mid-January 2026. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has announced this highly anticipated revival, positioning the PWL as a transformative force for Indian wrestling. After a successful previous season in 2019, the league is back with a fresh public-private partnership model that aims to offer Indian wrestlers a global platform while enhancing Olympic preparations and promoting women's wrestling.
During a press conference held in New Delhi, Shri Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of WFI and an esteemed member of Parliament, emphasized the cultural significance of wrestling in India. He remarked, "Wrestling is not just a sport for us; it is our heritage. The PWL will act as a bridge between our traditional akhadas and the international arena."
The current WFI president, Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, drew parallels between the PWL and the Indian Premier League (IPL) in cricket, stating, "What the IPL has done for cricket, the PWL will accomplish for wrestling. It will be the breeding ground for India’s future champions, who will bring home medals from the Olympics, Asian Games, and beyond. With equal emphasis on our female athletes, we aspire to foster a generation of women wrestlers who will excel on the global stage."
The PWL is set to feature top Indian wrestlers competing alongside international stars from wrestling powerhouses. Operating on a franchise model, the league will present lucrative investment opportunities for corporate partners and private investors. Dayaan Farooqui, president and promoter of the PWL, stated, "Our model is self-sustaining and commercially feasible, benefiting both athletes and investors. Our goal is to transform wrestling into a mass sport, generating the same excitement and fan engagement seen in major Indian leagues."
Akhil Gupta, CEO of PWL, highlighted the league's commitment to athlete welfare by ensuring financial stability through contracts, incentives, and partnerships, allowing wrestlers to focus solely on their performance. Sumit Dubey, the league's COO, will lead efforts in building alliances with franchises and sponsors to secure robust operational and commercial execution.
Additional details regarding the season schedule, franchise owners, and international participants will be announced soon. This revival reaffirm strengthens WFI’s mission to bring back wrestling, one of India's oldest sports, into the global spotlight.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) serves as the governing body for wrestling in India and is affiliated with the Indian Olympic Association and United World Wrestling.
The Professional Wrestling League is India's premier professional wrestling competition designed to empower athletes and elevate wrestling to a global stage.
During a press conference held in New Delhi, Shri Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former president of WFI and an esteemed member of Parliament, emphasized the cultural significance of wrestling in India. He remarked, "Wrestling is not just a sport for us; it is our heritage. The PWL will act as a bridge between our traditional akhadas and the international arena."
The current WFI president, Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, drew parallels between the PWL and the Indian Premier League (IPL) in cricket, stating, "What the IPL has done for cricket, the PWL will accomplish for wrestling. It will be the breeding ground for India’s future champions, who will bring home medals from the Olympics, Asian Games, and beyond. With equal emphasis on our female athletes, we aspire to foster a generation of women wrestlers who will excel on the global stage."
The PWL is set to feature top Indian wrestlers competing alongside international stars from wrestling powerhouses. Operating on a franchise model, the league will present lucrative investment opportunities for corporate partners and private investors. Dayaan Farooqui, president and promoter of the PWL, stated, "Our model is self-sustaining and commercially feasible, benefiting both athletes and investors. Our goal is to transform wrestling into a mass sport, generating the same excitement and fan engagement seen in major Indian leagues."
Akhil Gupta, CEO of PWL, highlighted the league's commitment to athlete welfare by ensuring financial stability through contracts, incentives, and partnerships, allowing wrestlers to focus solely on their performance. Sumit Dubey, the league's COO, will lead efforts in building alliances with franchises and sponsors to secure robust operational and commercial execution.
Additional details regarding the season schedule, franchise owners, and international participants will be announced soon. This revival reaffirm strengthens WFI’s mission to bring back wrestling, one of India's oldest sports, into the global spotlight.
About WFI
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) serves as the governing body for wrestling in India and is affiliated with the Indian Olympic Association and United World Wrestling.
About PWL
The Professional Wrestling League is India's premier professional wrestling competition designed to empower athletes and elevate wrestling to a global stage.
Topics Sports）
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