Pro Wrestling League 2026 Announced: WFI Brings Back India’s Biggest Wrestling League With A Global Vision
In a move that is likely to strengthen Indian wrestling, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has declared the return of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL). The successful league was held until 2019, and it will return in January 2026 with a new public-private partnership model that will serve as a platform for Indian wrestlers to showcase their talent internationally as well as for women in sports programs across India.
The announcement was made at a press event, with Shri Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Former WFI President, and Member of the Parliament, present as the Guest of Honour. During the announcement, he stated, “Wrestling is not merely a sport in India, it is our heritage. The return of Pro Wrestling League, in January 2026, will give our wrestlers the global stage that they deserve. It will serve as a bridge from the local akhada to the global arena.”
WFI President, Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh reiterated the league's commitment to identifying young, emerging talent. He said, "Just like the IPL changed the game of cricket, the Pro Wrestling League 2026 will discover and develop the next generation of Indian wrestling champions. "We aim to build an organized ecosystem for male and female wrestlers to benefit in the same way."
The "PWL" will be founded on the principles of gender equality. It will be aligned with global trends in women's wrestling, including the tremendous success of Iceland at the 2024 Paris Games. The PWL will support India's Matri Shakti, and place equal opportunity and investment towards female athletes competing on behalf of India.
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The season will showcase top Indian wrestlers, together with international wrestlers from wrestling powerhouses, including Russia, Kazakhstan, and many more, in what will be world-class competition.
Mr. Dayaan Farooqui - Chairman and Promoter of PWL, confirmed PWL 2026 will operate under a franchise-based model whereby private businesses will have the opportunity to invest in and build self-sustaining teams. CEO Akhil Gupta will add the league will provide structured contracts and financial means for wrestlers to maintain financial stability as well as develop as professional wrestlers.
As COO Sumit Dubey leads strategic partnerships and franchise relations, the Pro Wrestling League 2026 will be India's largest wrestling event that combines sporting supremacy, economic prosperity, and national pride.
