- After several years, the Pro Wrestling League will be back in January 2026
- The new season will focus on increasing the participation and opportunities of women
- The objectives are promotion of wrestling to make it a more professional sport in India
Indian wrestling is all set to get a new lease of life as the Pro Wrestling League is going to return in January 2026 in a new avatar with a greater emphasis on women's participation and professional avenues for female wrestlers.
After many years, the Wrestling Federation of India has announced the league's comeback under its direct supervision to ensure larger transparency and financial discipline.
Six franchises will participate in the 2026 season, with each having nine wrestlers-five Indian and four foreign wrestlers-which will include four females in the 53 kg, 57 kg, 62 kg, and 76 kg categories.
According to Dayaan Farooqui, Promoter and Chairman of PWL, the upcoming season aims to blend India are wrestling traditions with a professional league format that provides homegrown athletes a platform to compete globally.
The new edition will mark women's wrestling turning toward a commercial and televised model, moving out of government-led tournaments.
This change is expected to offer women wrestlers consistent competition, international exposure, financial growth, sponsorship opportunities, and increased media visibility.
It is believed by experts that, for Indian wrestling, the PWL can have a similar effect that the IPL has on cricket, with top wrestlers becoming household names.
And the timing could not have been better, as women's participation is growing steadily across states like Haryana and Maharashtra, inspired by the success of athletes like Geeta Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat.
Other initiatives like Khelo India Women and greater media coverage of sportswomen have further encouraged this growth. Top national and international wrestlers will be part of the coming season as the tradition of participation by over 25 countries in past editions continues.
Nevertheless, deficiencies remain in rural training facilities, societal inhibitions, and media coverage in fits and starts. Observers stress that sustained private investment and a larger audience base are necessary if the women's segment is to have a future.
The PWL has been working towards an integrated sport ecosystem comprising athlete development, franchise management, and brand partnerships as mentioned by Sumit Dubey, Chief Operating Officer, PWL.
If successful, the PWL format for women can be a game-changer for wrestling in India, catapulting the country's women wrestlers from local champions to national sports stars and setting the sport on a path toward an era that is both more inclusive and professional.
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