The Pro Wrestling League, PWL 2026, began on an emotionally charged and action-packed note as Punjab Royals edged past UP Dominators 5–4 in the inaugural tie of the season.
While the contest showcased the depth of Indian wrestling talent and the league’s growing competitiveness, it was also marked by an unfortunate injury that cast a long shadow over the night. Punjab ultimately sealed the win after Antim Panghal claimed the final bout via forfeit, bringing a gripping opening encounter to a sobering close.
The tie got underway with high intensity, and it was Chander Mohan who delivered the first major moment of the season. Facing UP Dominators’ captain Arman Andresyan, Chander Mohan found himself trailing 5–4 deep into the bout. With the clock winding down, he executed a perfectly timed trip that completely flipped the contest.
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The move was awarded four points, and with exposure also counted, Chander Mohan suddenly surged ahead to win 12–5. However, the result was quickly overshadowed as Andresyan landed awkwardly on his back, with his knee appearing to bend unnaturally on impact. He was visibly in pain and eventually stretchered off, an alarming sight on the very first night of PWL 2026. The injury later forced UP Dominators to forfeit his remaining bout, a turning point that would heavily influence the final outcome.
Punjab Royals continued to build momentum when Dinesh Dhankar delivered a composed and controlled performance against Jaspooran Singh. Dhankar’s tactical discipline and defensive solidity ensured a 3–0 victory, giving Punjab a defining early advantage and underlining their intent to dominate the tie through consistency rather than risk-heavy wrestling.
UP Dominators, however, refused to fade quietly. Vishal Ramana produced a commanding display in the 65 kg category, completely outclassing Islam Guseinov. Vishal’s aggression and mat control were evident throughout as he secured a resounding 14–3 win, bringing the tie level at 3–3 and briefly swinging momentum back in UP’s favor. His victory proved to be one of the highlights of the evening for the Dominators, showcasing their depth in the middleweights.
Punjab responded through one of their brightest young stars. Chirag Chikkara, the 2024 U23 World Champion, lived up to his reputation with a mature and assured performance against Rahul Deshwal of UP Dominators. Chirag dictated the pace of the bout, capitalising on scoring opportunities to register a 10–5 win. The result pushed UP into a trailing position once again and reinforced Punjab’s strength in crucial matchups.
One of the standout moments of the night came in the women’s 62 kg bout, where Paris Olympian Nisha Dahiya announced her arrival in PWL 2026 in emphatic fashion. Nisha dismantled Ana Godinez with a dominant 22–4 technical superiority (TSU) victory, registering the first TSU win of the season. Her movement, control, and relentless attacking intent made it a one-sided affair, and she looked every bit a title contender in the 62 kg category. With potential future clashes against elite opponents like Irina Koliadenko and Anastasia Dudova looming, Nisha’s performance set the benchmark for the rest of the league.
As the tie approached its conclusion, the impact of Andresyan’s injury became decisive. With UP Dominators unable to field him for the final bout, Antim Panghal was declared the winner via forfeit, sealing a 5–4 victory for Punjab Royals. While the result confirmed Punjab as the first winners of PWL 2026, the manner in which the tie ended left a bittersweet feeling.
The opening match delivered competitive wrestling, emerging stars, and high-stakes drama, but the injury to a marquee athlete was not the start the league would have hoped for. Punjab Royals will take confidence from their balanced performances across categories, while UP Dominators will be left to regroup and hope for positive news regarding their captain.
As PWL 2026 moves forward, the season has already announced itself as intense, unpredictable, and emotionally charged.
