Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 30 (HBTV): The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) has returned with its fifth season this year after a seven-year hiatus, marking a renewed chapter for professional wrestling in India.
Speaking on the occasion, PWL Chairman and Promoter Dayaan Farooqi said the revival of the league was a significant moment, recalling the success of its earlier seasons between 2015 and 2019 before operations were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the league’s return had generated enthusiasm among wrestlers and was providing Indian athletes with greater exposure and opportunities to compete alongside international players.
PWL Promoter and CEO Akhil Gupta described wrestling as an emotional and culturally significant sport in the country, noting its consistent contribution to India’s Olympic medal tally. He said restarting the league after a prolonged pause was challenging but ultimately rewarding, adding that the focus was on rebuilding the league rather than establishing interest in the sport itself.
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh termed the fifth season a success, saying the league had resumed smoothly after the pandemic-induced break. He said gaining the trust of stakeholders, including team owners and players, was crucial and added that they had expressed confidence in the WFI’s role in managing the league.
Shalini Singh, President of the Noida Citizen Forum, said the new season introduced enhancements aimed at increasing participation and providing a strong platform for players. She noted that the league offered athletes the opportunity to train and compete on home ground alongside wrestlers from across the world, adding that around 250 players took part in the auction.
Sanctioned by the Wrestling Federation of India, the Pro Wrestling League has returned for its fifth season with a renewed identity and structural changes ahead of competitive action scheduled for January 2026. The league is now operated by ONO Media, led by Akhil Gupta and Dayaan Farooqi.
According to organisers, the revamped league is focused on building a transparent, athlete-first ecosystem centred on professionalism, integrity and long-term sustainability. Its stated aim is to bridge the gap between grassroots akhadas and the global competitive stage by providing structured opportunities, international exposure and a professionally managed environment for wrestlers in India. (ANI)