Udaipur (Daily Kiran): The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has officially announced the much-anticipated comeback of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL), marking a major milestone in Indian sports. After its last successful edition in 2019, the Pro Wrestling League 2026 is set to return in mid-January 2026, introducing a franchise-based model inspired by the IPL to elevate wrestling into a global spectacle.
The announcement event was graced by Shri Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Former President of WFI and Former Member of Parliament, who inaugurated the new chapter of Indian wrestling as the Guest of Honour.
“Wrestling is not just a sport in India — it’s our legacy, deeply rooted in our soil and culture,” said Shri Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. “The return of the Pro Wrestling League is the arena our wrestlers deserve — one that connects the local akhada to the international podium. Our goal is to make this the foremost wrestling league in the world.”
WFI President Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh emphasized that the league would emulate the IPL’s success in nurturing homegrown talent. “The PWL 2026 will be the training ground for our next generation of Olympic and Asian Games medalists,” he said. “It will also empower our ‘Matri Shakti’, ensuring equal opportunities for women wrestlers to shine on the global stage.”
With gender equality at its core, the league’s timing aligns with the recent rise of Indian women wrestlers who made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning a major share of the country’s medals.
The league will feature top Indian wrestlers competing alongside international stars from wrestling powerhouses like Russia and Kazakhstan, promising world-class action and fierce competition.
Mr. Dayaan Farooqui, Chairman and Promoter of PWL, revealed that the league would operate on a franchise-based structure, allowing private investors and corporations to own teams. “We’re building a sustainable, commercially viable league that mirrors successful global sports ecosystems,” he said.
Mr. Akhil Gupta, CEO of PWL, shared that the new model would focus on the financial well-being of athletes. “Our goal is to create economic security for wrestlers through structured contracts, incentives, and partnerships — allowing them to focus purely on performance,” he said.
Leading the operational and corporate strategy will be Mr. Sumit Dubey, COO of the Pro Wrestling League, who will spearhead partnerships, franchise onboarding, and sponsor engagement to ensure commercial success.
The Pro Wrestling League 2026 is expected to be a landmark event, with detailed schedules, team announcements, and international line-ups to be revealed in the coming months.
The relaunch marks a historic moment for Indian wrestling, combining tradition, strength, and strategy with a modern sporting framework designed to take the sport to global heights.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
