The return of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) in 2026 marks a significant moment for Indian wrestling.
Opening tie between the UP Dominators and the Punjab Royals sets the tone for a league that is now firmly aligned with Olympic cycles and elite performance pathways. After a seven-year hiatus, PWL’s revival is not merely about entertainment; it is about creating a high-intensity, professionally run environment that bridges domestic depth with global excellence.
This opening clash brings together two franchises built on contrasting philosophies. UP Dominators arrive with a well-rounded, technically stable roster, while Punjab Royals have opted for stylistic diversity and aggression, leaning heavily on a few high-impact names to swing ties in their favor.
UP Dominators: Structure, Stability, and Star Power
The UP Dominators have constructed a squad that prioritizes balance across weight categories, reducing dependence on any single bout. The cornerstone of their campaign is undoubtedly Antim Panghal (53 kg), secured for a massive ₹52 lakh, the second-highest bid of the auction, only behind Olympic champion Yui Susaki.
Antim enters the league as India’s most consistent woman wrestler of the past two seasons, and in a league format that rewards technical superiority, she is expected to be a near-guaranteed points engine.
Her value lies not just in wins, but in how she wins. Antim’s ability to build leads methodically and finish bouts before the final minute is crucial in a format where late points are doubled. Against most domestic opponents, she will be expected to push for maximum margins rather than merely scrape through.
Alongside her, Nisha Dahiya (62 kg) is one of the most intriguing names in the league. Bought for ₹12 lakh, she could prove to be one of the steals of the auction.
A Paris Olympian at 68 kg, Nisha is transitioning down to 62 kg, a move that places heavy emphasis on weight management and conditioning. If she adapts smoothly, her size, reach, and mat control could give UP a decisive edge in what is arguably the most competitive women’s category.
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In the men’s division, UP’s strength lies in their international middleweight core. Arman Andreasyan (74 kg) and Vasyl Mikhailov (86 kg), both 2023 world bronze medalists, provide experience, composure, and consistency. Andreasyan, in particular, is expected to be the frontrunner at 74 kg, a weight class where tactical discipline often trumps raw aggression.
Mikhailov’s par terre work at 86 kg gives UP a genuine chance to end bouts early.
The lighter and heavier men’s categories are less glamorous but serviceable. Wrestlers like Vishal Kaliraman (65 kg) and Sagar/Rahul (57 kg) offer defensive solidity, while Jaspooran Singh and Rajat Ruhal (125 kg) give UP depth in heavyweight. Overall, this is a squad designed to accumulate points steadily, rather than rely on explosive swings.
Punjab Royals: High-Risk, High-Reward Approach
Punjab Royals was the only franchise to complete a full 12-member squad at the auction, but depth does not necessarily translate to dominance. On paper, they appear lighter than the UP Dominators in several categories, and their success hinges heavily on a few key individuals delivering consistently. The standout name is Islam Dudaev (65 kg), one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the competition. While his pedigree is unquestioned, concerns remain about his recent form and weight stability, especially in a stacked 65 kg division. If Dudaev fires, Punjab can swing momentum rapidly; if not, they risk conceding ground early.
Chirag Chikkara (57 kg), the U23 World Champion, represents promise rather than certainty. This league will test how well he handles pressure in a franchise environment against seasoned seniors. Chander Mohan (74 kg) and Dinesh Gulia (125 kg) provide reliability but are unlikely to dominate their bouts unless matchups break favorably.
Punjab’s women’s lineup has numbers but limited firepower. Ana Godinez (62 kg) is the leader here, though her high price looks questionable in a weight class loaded with elite competition. Her bout against Nisha Dahiya could define Punjab’s night. Priya Malik (76 kg) has pedigree and potential but faces stiff opposition, while Roksana Zasina (57 kg) is past her peak. Beyond that, Punjab lacks a genuine match-winner in women’s wrestling.
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The tie is likely to pivot on three bouts: Antim Panghal at 53 kg, Nisha Dahiya vs. Ana Godinez at 62 kg, and Islam Dudaev at 65 kg. UP will look to build early control through Antim and their international middleweights, forcing Punjab to chase points. Punjab, in contrast, must maximize returns from Dudaev and Godinez to stay competitive. In a league format that rewards aggression and penalizes passivity, UP’s composure versus Punjab’s risk-taking makes this an intriguing stylistic battle.
Squad Details
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), and Rajat Ruhal (125 kg)
Women: Antim Panghal (53 kg), Marie Duty (57 kg), Nisha Dahiya (62 kg) & Ojo Hannah (76 kg)
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)
