Noida, January 14 (Hindustan Reporter) India’s iconic franchise-based wrestling competition Pro Wrestling League (PWL) is all set to make a grand comeback with its fifth season starting Thursday, January 15, 2026. Starting at the Noida Indoor Stadium in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, the season is set to give wrestling fans an exciting encounter with six strong franchises, Olympic medalists, world champions and emerging Indian wrestlers.
The first match of the season will be played between UP Dominators and Punjab Royals, which will be a glimpse of the new era of the league – better governance, athlete-centric structure and fair competition.
Live broadcast and digital coverage
All the matches of PWL 2026 will be telecast on Sony Ten 4 and Sony Ten 5 daily at 8 PM. The double-header matches will start at 6 pm. Along with this, live streaming of all the matches will be available on Sony Liv digital platform.
New PWL based on balance and strategy
After the extensive auction process this time, teams seem to be focused on building a strategic and balanced roster and not limited to just big names. There will be nine bouts (five men’s and four women’s categories) in each tie, making each match very important from the point of view of the points table.
The top four teams of this league, played in round-robin format, will make it to the semi-finals. The grand finale of the league will be played on 1 February 2026.
prize money
Champion team: ₹1.5 crore
Runner up: ₹75 lakh
Player of the Tournament: ₹2.5 lakh
Daily Player of the Match: ₹50,000
Fighter of the Match: ₹25,000
Change in format will increase excitement
The format has been changed in PWL 2026 to make the matches more exciting. Each bout will have two rounds of three minutes each. Points scored in the last one minute of the second round will be counted double. With this change, the match will remain open till the last moments and no wrestler will get a chance to save the lead by being inactive.
UP Dominators: An example of balance and depth
UP Dominators is considered to be one of the most balanced teams of this season. The team is led by two-time U-20 world champion and Asian Games bronze medalist Antal Panghal (53kg), who was the most expensive Indian woman wrestler in the auction.
In the women’s category, Nisha Dahiya, Ojo Damola Hanna and Bridget Mary Duty, while in the men’s category, Vasil Mikhailov, Armen Andreyasyan, Rahul Dalal and Jaspuran Singh strengthen the team.
Head coach Vinod Kumar said, “We have selected the team keeping balance and continuity in mind. The first match is challenging, but the players are fully prepared.”
“There is more responsibility at the beginning of the season. Our goal is to start strong,” Panghal said.
Squad – UP Dominators
Men: Vasil Mikhailov, Armen Andreyasyan, Rahul Dalal, Vishal Kali Ramana, Sagar, Jaspuran Singh
Female: Last Panghal, Nisha Dahiya, Ojo Damola Hanna, Bridget Mary Duty
Punjab Royals: Combination of experience and aggression
Punjab Royals is coming with diverse technology and experience. The team is being led by Commonwealth Games silver medalist Anna Godiniz, while Dinesh Gulia will play a key role in the men’s category. Young star Priya Malik is also the strength of the team.
Head coach Hargobind Singh Sandhu said, “The first match sets the tone for the entire campaign. Our preparation has been strong.”
Squad – Punjab Royals
Men: Islam Dudaev, Dinesh Gulia, Chirag Chhikara, Bagomedov Ada, Chandramohan, Akash
Women: Ana Godiniz, Roksana Zasina, Priya Malik, Meenakshi, Rajneeta Jangra, Raunak Gulia
Other teams: A star-studded season
Haryana Thunders: Led by Olympic gold winners Yui Susaki and Irina Kolyadenko
Maharashtra Kesari: Bet on heavyweights Robert Baran and Deepak Punia
Tigers of Mumbai Dangals: Captained by Youth Olympic medalist Aman Sehrawat
Delhi Dangal Warriors: Balanced team under the leadership of Under-23 World Champion Sujit Kalkal
—————
Hindusthan News / Akash Kumar Rai
