The Pro Wrestling League auction on January 3, 2026, delivered another defining moment when Antim Panghal, India’s young Olympic wrestler in the 53kg category, entered the fray.
What followed was a dramatic bidding war that underlined her growing stature in Indian wrestling and reaffirmed her position as one of the most valuable female athletes in the league. In a contest of nerves and intent, UP Dominators eventually secured Antim for a massive ₹52 lakh, one of the highest bids of the auction and a clear statement of ambition.
Antim’s name instantly energized the auction room. Listed in the Category A+ (Marquee) bracket with a base price of ₹18 lakh, she attracted immediate interest. UP Dominators were the first to raise their paddle, signalling early intent, but they were quickly challenged by Haryana Thunders, setting the stage for a head-to-head duel between two franchises unwilling to back down.
The bidding escalated at breakneck speed. Within moments, the price crossed ₹40 lakh, a level that usually triggers caution in a tightly regulated auction with a ₹12 crore team purse. Yet neither franchise blinked. Each incremental raise reflected not just financial muscle but the recognition that Antim represents both immediate results and long-term value in the women’s division.
As the figures climbed, the contest became as much psychological as financial. Haryana Thunders briefly took the lead at ₹51 lakh, appearing to have edged ahead in the duel. But UP Dominators responded decisively, pushing the bid to ₹52 lakh and sealing Antim’s signature. The final hammer marked one of the most intense moments of the auction and confirmed Antim as one of the league’s premier acquisitions.
Antim’s valuation is rooted in more than potential. Still early in her career, she has already proven herself on the biggest stages, including the World Championships, where she showcased fearlessness and tactical maturity against seasoned international opponents. Competing in the 53 kg category one of the most competitive weight classes globally, Antim has consistently demonstrated speed, balance, and the ability to score decisively under pressure. Those qualities translate seamlessly into the Pro Wrestling League’s fast-paced, team-based format.
For UP Dominators, signing Antim is a strategic masterstroke. League regulations require each franchise to build a squad of 9 to 12 wrestlers, including at least four women and a mandatory mix of overseas talent. Securing a high-impact Indian woman wrestler at the marquee level provides both balance and flexibility in squad construction. Antim is expected to anchor the women’s lineup and deliver reliable points, while also serving as a face of the franchise.
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The timing of Antim’s acquisition is equally significant. Earlier in the auction, Christinah Ogunsanya, the first woman to be listed in the A+ category, surprisingly went unsold. That outcome only amplified Antim’s value, highlighting how franchises were prioritizing proven Indian performers over overseas names. Antim’s bidding war reflected a clear shift in the league’s dynamics Indian women wrestlers are no longer peripheral investments, but central pillars around which teams are built.
The broader context of the auction further underscores the magnitude of Antim’s signing. With six franchises Haryana Thunders, Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals, Punjab Royals, Maharashtra Kesari, Delhi Dangal Warriors, and UP Dominators competing over a pool of 250 wrestlers, financial discipline is essential. Spending ₹52 lakh on a single athlete requires absolute conviction. UP Dominators’ willingness to go that far speaks volumes about their belief in Antim’s ability to deliver both on the mat and in the league standings.
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Beyond the numbers, Antim’s moment at the auction is symbolic for Indian women’s wrestling. Her rise from junior prodigy to Olympic contender and now to marquee professional athlete reflects the sport’s evolution in India. The league, once dominated by foreign stars, is increasingly being shaped by Indian women who can command attention, investment and responsibility.
As Season Five of the Pro Wrestling League approaches, expectations around Antim Panghal will be immense. But if her career trajectory so far is any indication, pressure is unlikely to faze her. For UP Dominators, she is more than a marquee signing she is a statement of intent. And at ₹52 lakh, Antim has firmly established herself as one of the league’s defining figures heading into the new season.
