The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) Athlete Auction concluded on 3 January, producing several headline-grabbing signings alongside a few surprising omissions.
A total of 63 wrestlers were picked across six franchises, with teams collectively spending over ₹11 crore at the auction for the fifth edition of the league. Japanese wrestling icon Yui Susaki emerged as the biggest draw of the auction, signing with the Haryana Thunders for a record-breaking ₹60 lakh, the highest fee in PWL history. Among the men, 2025 World Bronze medalist Robert Baran commanded the highest price, with Maharashtra Kesari paying ₹55 lakh to secure the Polish heavyweight.
Indian wrestlers also attracted significant interest. Rising stars Antim Panghal and Sujeet Kalkal were snapped up by the UP Dominators and Delhi Dangal Warriors, respectively, for ₹52 lakh each, while Olympic bronze medalist Aman Sehrawat joined the Tigers of Mumbai Dangals for ₹51 lakh. On the flip side, former world champion Zelimkhan Abakarov surprisingly went unsold, failing to attract bids from any franchise. Other notable omissions included Aliabbas Rzazade, Roman Bravo-Young, Oksana Livach, and Odunayo Adekuoroye.
Here we present to you the in-depth squad analysis
Haryana Thunders
Men: Ankush (57 kg), Tulga Tumur-Ochir (65 kg), Parvinder Singh (74 kg), Ashirov Ashraf (86 kg), Sachin (86 kg), Anirudh Gulia (125 kg)
Women: Yui Susaki (53 kg), Neha Sharma (57 kg), Neha Sangwan (57 kg), Iryna Koliadenko (62 kg), Kajal Dhochak (76 kg)
Haryana Thunders has arguably assembled the strongest and most balanced squad in the league. Yui Susaki, signed for a record ₹60 lakh, will be their marquee athlete and is widely regarded as the most dominant wrestler in the women’s 53 kg division. Her much-anticipated clash with Antim Panghal is already being billed as the “match of the tournament,” although it remains to be seen whether Panghal is currently at Susaki’s level.
Double Olympic medalist Iryna Koliadenko further strengthens the squad, emerging as the most accomplished wrestler in the 62 kg category. The women’s unit looks particularly formidable, blending elite international pedigree with promising Indian talent such as U20 World Champion Kajal Dhochak, U17 World Champion Neha Sangwan, and multiple age-group medalist Neha Sharma.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
In the men’s division, the acquisition of 2025 World Silver medalist Tulga Tumur-Ochir for just ₹18 lakh stands out as a major bargain. The 65 kg category is among the most competitive this season, featuring Sujeet Kalkal, Vazgen Tevanyan, and Islam Dudaev, ensuring stiff competition for Tulga. Ankush will lead the charge at 57 kg in what promises to be an all-Indian battleground, where he can be backed to beat most opponents barring Aman Sehrawat. The remainder of the squad provides solid depth.
Strength Score: 9/10
Maharashtra Kesari
Men: Atish Todkar (57 kg), Sumit Malik (57 kg), Vazgen Tevanyan (65 kg), Yash (74 kg), Deepak Punia (86 kg), Robert Baran (125 kg)
Women: Yusneylys Guzmán (53 kg), Manisha Bhanwala (57 kg), Bilyana Dudova (62 kg), Harshita Mor (76 kg), Diksha Malik (76 kg)
Maharashtra Kesari has assembled an equally formidable squad, boasting strong balance across both categories. Robert Baran could prove to be their trump card, with the Polish heavyweight arguably the best super-heavyweight in the competition and expected to give the team a decisive edge in face-offs.
Securing 2023 World Bronze medalist Vazgen Tevanyan for ₹18 lakh appears another shrewd move. A top three contender in the field, Tevanyan can offer great value. Deepak Punia adds solidity in the 86 kg category, which lacks significant depth beyond him and Vasyl Mikhailov.
In the women’s division, former World Champion Bilyana Dudova headlines a fiercely competitive 62 kg category that also includes Iryna Koliadenko, Nisha Dahiya, and Ana Godinez. Asian Champion Manisha Bhanwala and Olympic Silver medalist Yusneylys Guzmán further bolsters the lineup. Harshita Mor, who stunned World Champion Zhamila Bakbergenova last year, remains one of the tournament’s most intriguing dark horses.
Strength Score: 8.5/10
Delhi Dangal Warriors
Men: Shubham (57 kg), Sujeet Kalkal (65 kg), Turan Byramov (74 kg), Hadi Vafaeipour (86 kg), Ronak (125 kg)
Women: Saarika (53 kg), Karla Godinez (57 kg), Anjali (62 kg), Anastasiya Alpyeyeva (76 kg)
Delhi Dangal Warriors made headlines by engaging in a fierce bidding war for Sujeet Kalkal, eventually acquiring him for ₹52 lakh, the highest amount ever paid for an Indian male wrestler, surpassing even Aman Sehrawat. Kalkal’s rapid rise has led many to consider him among India’s very best at present. The U23 World Champion will, however, face stern competition in a deep 65 kg field featuring Tulga Tumur-Ochir, Vazgen Tevanyan, and Islam Dudaev. While Kalkal has beaten Tevanyan and Dudaev previously, Tulga has had the edge, setting up a compelling rivalry.
The men’s squad is rounded out by reliable performers in Turan Byramov, Shubham, and Hadi Vafaeipour. In the women’s division, reigning European Champion Anastasiya Alpyeyeva strengthens the 76 kg category but will face intense competition from domestic stars like Priya Malik, Harshita Mor, Kajal Dhochak, and Jyoti Berwal. Rest of the women’s squad has no standouts but looks decent enough.
Strength Score: 8/10
UP Dominators
Men: Rahul (57 kg), Sagar (57 kg), Vishal Kaliraman (65 kg), Arman Andreasyan (74 kg), Vasyl Mikhailov (86 kg), Jaspooran Singh (125 kg), Rajat Ruhal (125 kg)
Women: Antim Panghal (53 kg), Marie Duty (57 kg), Nisha Dahiya (62 kg), Ojo Hannah (76 kg)
UP Dominators invested heavily in Antim Panghal, paying ₹52 lakh for one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the field, second only to Yui Susaki. Nisha Dahiya, acquired for ₹12 lakh, could turn out to be one of the bargains of the tournament as she continues her comeback following a serious injury sustained at the Paris Olympics. Her transition from 68 kg to 62 kg will hinge largely on effective weight management.
In the men’s division, 2023 World Bronze medalists Arman Andreasyan and Vasyl Mikhailov strengthen the core, with Andreasyan expected to be the frontrunner in the 74 kg category. While the rest of the squad boasts decent depth, it lacks standout names. Overall, the Dominators present a competitive and well-rounded unit.
Strength Score: 8/10
Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals
Men: Aman Sehrawat (57 kg), Rohit (65 kg), Naveen Malik (74 kg), Kaloyan Ivanov (74 kg), Mukul Dahiya (86 kg), Oleksandr Khotsianivskyi (125 kg)
Women: Pooja (53 kg), Alina Filipovych (57 kg), Olha Padoshyk (62 kg), Jyoti Berwal (76 kg)
The Tiigers’ campaign will revolve heavily around Aman Sehrawat, who is expected to dominate the 57 kg category. Oleksandr Khotsianivskyi could prove a valuable asset in the heavyweight division. However, the signing of Naveen Malik appears expensive given his prolonged absence from international competition and modest recent domestic form. Beyond Sehrawat, the men’s squad looks serviceable and provides decent depth.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
The women’s lineup is underwhelming, lacking a clear marquee presence comparable to Susaki or Koliadenko. Alina Filipovych and Olha Padoshyk are capable of picking up wins sporadically, but are unlikely to provide a decisive edge for their team in face-offs. Former U20 World Champion Jyoti Berwal could offer good value if she arrives in peak form, although she is expected to face stiff competition in the super-heavyweight category.
Strength Score: 7.5/10
Punjab Royals
Men: Chirag Chikkara (57 kg), Islam Dudaev (65 kg), Chander Mohan (74 kg), Ada Bagomedov (86 kg), Dinesh Gulia (125 kg), Akash (125 kg)
Women: Meenakshi (53 kg), Roksana Zasina (57 kg), Rajnita (57 kg), Ana Godinez (62 kg), Rounak Gulia (62 kg), Priya Malik (76 kg)
Punjab Royals were the only franchise to complete a full 12-member squad at the auction. Despite this, the overall strength of the lineup appears underwhelming compared to their rivals, and on paper they look among the weaker teams in the competition.
Islam Dudaev remains the most accomplished name in the squad, but concerns over his recent form persist, particularly in a stacked 65 kg category. U23 World Champion Chirag Chikkara is a positive addition, while national champions Chander Mohan and Dinesh Gulia offer reliable support.
In the women’s division, Ana Godinez will lead the challenge, though her price tag appears high given the intense competition at 62 kg. Priya Malik could prove valuable but faces stiff domestic competition. Roksana Zasina is past her peak, and the remainder of the squad lacks the firepower to consistently trouble opposing teams.
Strength Score: 7/10
