Mumbai witnessed a meaningful intersection of legacy and elite ambition on January 12 as Olympic bronze medalist Aman Sehrawat completed a one-day youth and akhada connect tour across the city.
The tour, rooted in community engagement rather than spectacle, set the tone for the upcoming Pro Wrestling League (PWL) season, which begins on January 16, and marked the first major public step for debut franchise Tiigers of Mumbai Dangal (TOMD).
Owned by Aspect Sports, the sports arm of Aspect Global Ventures, in partnership with APCO Infratech, TOMD enters the Pro Wrestling League with a clear narrative one that places grassroots wrestling at the heart of its identity. Sehrawat, a Paris 2024 Olympic Games bronze medallist and one of India’s most recognizable faces in the sport, was the central figure in shaping that message.
The day began early with a training session in Mumbai, reflecting the routine-driven mindset that has defined Sehrawat’s rise. From there, he moved into a college interaction in Bandra, where students and young athletes engaged with him in an open dialogue about ambition, setbacks, and the realities of elite sport. Rather than focusing on medals alone, Sehrawat spoke at length about discipline, patience, and the years of anonymous effort that underpin success at the highest level.
For a city that balances relentless pace with deep sporting culture, the interaction struck a chord. Sehrawat’s journey from akhada training grounds to the Olympic podium resonated strongly with students navigating their own early sporting paths.
Aksha Kamboj, Executive Chairperson of Aspect Global Ventures, the owner of Tiigers of Mumbai Dangal, underlined the intent behind the initiative. “As a debuting franchise, it was important for us to start with the right message. Aman embodies what we want TOMD to stand for—grassroots strength, discipline, and belief in the process. This tour wasn’t just about announcing our arrival in the Pro Wrestling League; it was about showing what kind of team we are building,” she said.
The emotional core of the tour came during Sehrawat’s visit to the Matunga Akhada, one of Mumbai’s traditional wrestling hubs. Observing training bouts, interacting closely with young pehelwans, and stepping into the earthy, uncompromising training environment, Sehrawat became a living bridge between aspiration and achievement. The sight of an Olympic medalist standing shoulder-to-shoulder with young wrestlers training on mud captured the essence of Indian wrestling’s enduring culture.
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For TOMD, the symbolism was deliberate. The franchise has secured Sehrawat for INR 51 lakhs at the 2026 auction, making him one of the highest-paid Indian wrestlers in the league and a central pillar of their debut campaign. His presence is not merely a competitive asset but a statement of values.
“Mumbai has a different kind of fire,” Sehrawat said during one of the interactions. “When you speak to students or step into an akhada here, you feel the hunger. I come from that same mitti. Winning an Olympic medal was a dream, but the process never changes. Representing Tiigers of Mumbai Dangal in their first Pro Wrestling League season is exciting, and I want young wrestlers to believe that their daily struggle matters.”
Beyond the physical interactions, the tour also featured curated media shoots across iconic Mumbai locations. These visuals, centred on restraint, focus, and inner strength, were designed to introduce TOMD as a franchise that respects wrestling’s roots while embracing the professionalism and visibility of a modern league setup. The imagery avoided theatrics, instead reinforcing authenticity a deliberate positioning choice in a league-driven ecosystem.
RP Singh, Director at APCO Infratech and co-owner of Tiigers of Mumbai Dangal, echoed that sentiment. “For us, this debut season is about building a foundation, not just a roster. Wrestling in India has deep roots, and our goal with Tiigers of Mumbai Dangal is to respect that heritage while building a competitive, modern franchise. Aman represents that balance perfectly, and this tour was a strategic first step in shaping what TOMD stands for,” he said.
As the Pro Wrestling League countdown enters its final days, Sehrawat’s Mumbai tour has done more than generate buzz. It has positioned Tiigers of Mumbai Dangal as a franchise grounded in credibility, culture, and long-term vision. With the league set to begin on January 16, TOMD’s debut season now carries not just competitive expectations but a clear identity shaped by India’s newest Olympic hero and the grassroots spirit he continues to champion.
