Noida: Explaining the concept and symbolic significance behind the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 trophy, Chairman Dayan Faruki shed light on its unique design and the ideas involved. He shared that the trophy was specially crafted to reflect the spirit of the league and the struggles of the wrestlers, with the entire creation process guided by this vision.
The PWL 2026 began on January 15, with the grand finale scheduled for February 1, marking the league’s return after a six-year gap.
Faruki stated, “The story behind the trophy shows how much attention we paid to every detail of the league. Our team collected soil from the akharas and states of all six participating teams, which has been embedded into the trophy. We wanted the trophy to remain connected to the soil of the country. We also included design elements representing Lord Hanuman’s mace on the side. The trophy has been designed with great care and thought.”
Earlier, Japan’s UE Susaki emerged as the top attraction in the women’s player auction after being purchased by Haryana Thunder for a record bid of ₹60 lakh. Alongside Susaki, World Championship medalist Atim Panghal was bought by UP Dominators for ₹52 lakh in the women’s 53 kg category. Puerto Rico’s Ana Godinez was acquired by Punjab Royals for ₹46 lakh in the 62 kg category, while Delhi Dangal Warriors strengthened their team by purchasing Azerbaijan’s Anastasia Alpayeva for ₹27 lakh in the 76 kg category.
All categories featured A-plus wrestlers starting with a base price of ₹18 lakh, but many saw significant price increases. Among men, notable acquisitions included Poland’s Robert Baran, bought by Maharashtra Kesari for ₹55 lakh, and Paris 2024 bronze medalist Aman Sehrawat, purchased by Tigers of Mumbai Dangal for ₹51 lakh, highlighting the ongoing demand for proven athletes across weight classes.
Emphasizing the emotional bond between wrestling and the nation, Faruki remarked, “I love the tagline so much that it gives me goosebumps. Whenever I think of wrestling, I don’t see it as just a sport. I think about the soil. That feeling arises in the heart, tears come to the eyes, and the heartbeat increases. I just want to say this is my sport, your sport, and the country’s sport. Any player who wins a medal here will not only win for PWL but for India.”
Discussing the impact of the ‘Power Minute’ innovation on Indian wrestling, he said, “It has become a game-changer. In the last Olympics, we saw our players were physically fit but lost medals in the final moments. Through PWL, we introduced the Power Minute, which motivates wrestlers to fight until the very end. PWL and the Wrestling Federation are giving wrestling tremendous recognition.”
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. 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.
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