India’s Pro Wrestling League Set for a Grand Comeback in 2026: Brij Bhushan 

IPL-Inspired Model to Revolutionise Wrestling

Rakesh Thapliyal

New Delhi: In a landmark move set to reshape the landscape of Indian sports, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) today announced the triumphant return of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL). After its last successful season in 2019, the league is set to make a powerful comeback with the Pro Wrestling League 2026, backed by a robust public-private partnership model designed to provide a global platform for Indian wrestlers, fuel the nation’s Olympic dreams, and empower the ‘Matri Shakti’ of Indian wrestling. The league is scheduled to kick start from mid-January 2026.

The official announcement was made at a press conference today, which was graced by Shri Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Former President of WFI and Former Member of Parliament, as the Guest of Honour, who inaugurated this new chapter for Indian wrestling.

Setting the vision for the league, the Guest of Honour, Shri Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, said, “Wrestling is not just a sport in India, it is our legacy, rooted in our soil and culture. For years, I have witnessed the immense talent that thrives in our Akhadas, often without the platform they deserve. The return of the Pro Wrestling League is the much-needed arena that will take this traditional sport to a global, professional pedestal. This league will ensure that every young wrestler dreaming of glory will have a clear path—from the local akhada to the international podium. We are committed to making it the foremost wrestling league in the world.”

Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, President, Wrestling Federation of India, stated, “The IPL demonstrated how a structured league can unearth and nurture domestic talent, giving them exposure to compete on the world stage. The Pro Wrestling League 2026 is our commitment to replicating that success. It will be the training ground that produces our next generation of medalists for the Olympics, Asian Games, and other prestigious international events. Furthermore, this league will be the catalyst that prepares our ‘Matri Shakti’ for this new era, ensuring equal prominence and investment to build a pipeline of women champions ready to dominate at the highest level.”

A core objective of the league is to champion gender equality. This focus is perfectly timed with the global shift in wrestling, as evidenced by the historic achievement of women wrestlers at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Indian female wrestlers have consistently punched above their weight, winning a larger share of medals for the country on the world stage in recent years.

The league will see top Indian grapplers competing alongside international stars from wrestling powerhouses like Russia, Kazakhstan and other countries, raising the competitive bar.

Commenting on the league structure, Mr. Dayaan Farooqui, Chairman and Promoter, Pro Wrestling League, said, “The Pro Wrestling League is designed as a premier franchise-based ecosystem. We are creating a compelling product for private corporations and investors to own teams, mirroring the successful commercial frameworks of other major leagues. This structure is essential for creating a self-sustaining model that elevates the sport’s profile and ensures long-term growth.”

Addressing the critical need for financial security, Mr. Akhil Gupta, CEO, Pro Wrestling League, outlined the league’s player-centric model. “Our vision is to transform the life of a wrestler. We are building a robust economic model where wrestlers are valued as professional athletes. Through structured contracts, league-wide incentives, and franchise partnerships, we will provide the financial stability that allows our champions to focus solely on winning medals for India.”

Mr. Sumit Dubey, Chief Operating Officer, Pro Wrestling League, will be leading the charge in building these crucial partnerships. His focus will be on overall operations and engaging with the corporate world to bring franchises and sponsors on board, ensuring the league’s commercial success and widespread appeal.

League Schedule and Way Forward

The inaugural season of the revamped Pro Wrestling League 2026 will be a landmark event, with the detailed schedule, franchise details, and participating international stars to be unveiled in the coming months.

Today’s announcement marks the official launch of this new chapter for Indian wrestling, celebrating its strength, strategy, and indomitable spirit.

About Wrestling Federation of India (WFI):

The Wrestling Federation of India is the apex body for governing wrestling in India. Affiliated with the Indian Olympic Association and United World Wrestling, the WFI is responsible for selecting national teams for international competitions and fostering the growth of the sport at all levels across the country.

About Pro Wrestling League:

The Pro Wrestling League is a premier professional wrestling competition in India, established to provide a global platform for Indian wrestlers, enhance the sport’s commercial appeal, and build a sustainable ecosystem for athletes, coaches, and associated professionals.