The Pro Wrestling League is all set to be revived six years after it was halted due to a combination of factors with new organisers and a new team at the helm of the federation.
But if the announcement on Saturday was any indication, former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh continues to hold control in the sport and a large part of its administration. So much so that despite the presence of incumbent WFI president Sanjay Singh, Brij Bhushan, front and centre on the stage, answered most of the questions.
“The PWL was started by ‘netaji’ in 2015 to take Indian wrestling to new heights and was successful to a large extent before Covid stopped it. This is a new beginning and we hope to continue what he started. The control for players and coaches will remain with the WFI to ensure there are no payment issues,” Sanjay Singh said.
Brij Bhushan himself was candid. “Ever since the new officials were elected, wrestlers had been calling me to request the federation to restart the PWL. Even though I am not associated with the WFI in any capacity now, I was happy to be invited today because I love the sport and that is not dependent on holding any post,” he declared.
Asked about the participation of wrestlers who protested against him in 2023, he was categorical. “There will be no discrimination against anyone who wants to be part of the PWL,” he said.
The organising rights this time for the PWL, last held in 2019, have been given to ONO Media. There will be six franchises with nine wrestlers each – five Indian and four foreign, five women and four men. The team purse has been retained at Rs. 2 Cr each for the 18-day event with competition in nine Olympic weight categories. The venue will be Delhi for the current season, tentatively scheduled for the 3rd week of January, with plans to spread out later.
Published – November 01, 2025 11:58 pm IST
