Combat sports enthusiasts across India are gearing up for high-intensity mat action as the Pro Wrestling League prepares to stage its sixth edition. The upcoming championship will take place from January 9 to January 26 next year at the KD Singh Jadhav Wrestling Arena in New Delhi. Sanctioned under the auspices of the Wrestling Federation of India, the multi-week tournament brings together celebrated domestic icons alongside prominent international grapplers for an extensive showcase of world-class wrestling.
Six Franchise Squads Ready for Contention
Six competitive franchise units will vie for top honours during the tournament. The official roster of participating squads features Delhi Dangal Warriors, Tigers of Mumbai Dangals, Haryana Thunders, Maharashtra Kesari, UP Dominators, and Punjab Royals. Speaking on the broader vision behind the competition, league chairman D. Farooqui highlighted that the primary goal is taking the league across franchise territories each season, bringing world-standard wrestling closer to fans across the nation to spur grassroots passion.
Global Icons and Nine Olympic Weight Divisions
A decorated field of 86 elite competitors will step onto the mats across the competition window. The tournament roster boasts 34 Olympians alongside multiple podium finishers from the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Wrestling Championships. A standout attraction among foreign contenders is Japan's celebrated Olympic champion Yui Susaki, who will compete alongside top-tier global talent. Bouts will take place across nine Olympic weight categories. Men will battle across five weight divisions consisting of 57 kg, 65 kg, 74 kg, 86 kg, and 125 kg, while female grapplers will contest four categories spanning 53 kg, 57 kg, 62 kg, and 76 kg.
Revised Match Structure and the Decisive Power Minute
In an effort to heighten drama for broadcast audiences and arena spectators, organizers have reworked the bout structure. Contestants will now grapple across two three-minute rounds, creating an active duration of 2×3 minutes per encounter. The crowd-favourite 'Power Minute' regulation will also remain in effect throughout the tournament. Under this specific rule, every single point scored during the final sixty seconds of a bout is automatically doubled. This scoring dynamic allows trailing competitors to mount sudden, dramatic comebacks right before the final whistle sounds.
Felicitation of Asian Games 2026 Podium Finishers
The official launch event also featured a ceremonial tribute honouring Indian wrestlers who claimed medals at the Asian Games 2026. Among the athletes recognized were Sujeet Kalkal, who clinched gold in the men's 65 kg bracket, and Aman Sehrawat, gold medalist in the 57 kg category. Other prominent medal winners celebrated at the gathering included Antim Panghal, Nitesh Siwach, Deepak Punia, and Sunil Kumar, who joined the gathering to mark the league's grand return.
