Indian wrestling has a new name at the summit of the global rankings. Sujeet Kalkal, fresh off his gold medal-winning performance at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2026, has climbed to World No. 1 in the men’s freestyle 65kg category in the latest United World Wrestling (UWW) rankings. In doing so, the 23-year-old has moved past…
The return of the Professional Wrestling League (PWL) earlier this year is already yielding measurable impact on the international stage, with athletes from Season 5 playing a central role in India’s medal-winning performances across major competitions. The correlation is particularly evident at the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships, where PWL-affiliated wrestlers contributed 11 of India’s 17…
The PWL is set to witness one of the most compelling freestyle wrestling matchups of the year as India’s rising star Sujeet takes on Russia’s Ibragim Ibragimov for the 65 kg championship belt on May 2 in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. In what promises to be a clash of contrasting styles and wrestling philosophies, the bout carries significance…
India concluded its campaign at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with two silver medals and a bronze on the final day, taking the overall tally to an impressive 17 medals. The haul included two gold, six silver, and nine bronze medals, reflecting both depth and emerging promise across categories. While the final…
In one of the most remarkable performances by an Indian wrestler in recent years, Abhimanyou Mandwal announced himself on the continental stage by clinching the gold medal in the men’s freestyle 70kg category at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2026. The Indian wrestler capped off a sensational campaign with a 5-3 victory over Mongolia’s Tumur-Ochir Tulga,…
India’s freestyle wrestling contingent capped off an impressive campaign at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2026 with multiple medals across categories, reinforcing their growing strength on the continental stage. Ankush and Sandeep Singh Mann added to the tally with a bronze and silver respectively, while standout performances from Abhimanyou Mandwal and Sujeet Kalkal, who clinched gold…
India’s freestyle wrestling contingent delivered another strong statement at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2026, with Aman Sehrawat and Mukul Dahiya advancing to their respective finals and extending what has been a highly productive campaign for the country. With five finalists across categories, this marks India’s best showing at the continental event since the 2020 edition,…
Indian wrestling may have found its next global contender in the 65kg freestyle division, as Sujeet Kalkal delivered a statement performance to win gold at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2026. The 23-year-old from Bhiwani capped off a near-flawless campaign with a commanding 8-1 victory over Uzbekistan’s Umidjon Jalolov, a World Championships bronze medallist, in the…
India’s men’s freestyle contingent delivered one of its most impressive days at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2026 in Bishkek, with three wrestlers Abhimanyou (70kg), Sujeet (65kg), and Sandeep Singh Mann (79kg) storming into their respective finals. Headlining the charge was Abhimanyou, who produced a major upset to defeat reigning Asian champion and World Championships bronze…
India’s women’s wrestling contingent added three more medals to their tally at the Asian Wrestling Championships, with Meenakshi securing silver while Monika and Harshita claimed bronze medals in their respective weight categories. However, despite the additions, the overall campaign leaves scope for reflection, particularly in terms of finals conversion and competitive depth. The highlight of…
India enjoyed a productive second day at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2026, with Lalit clinching a silver medal in the 55kg Greco-Roman category and Sunil Kumar securing bronze in the 87kg division. The day also saw a major boost for the Indian contingent as Nitesh powered his way into the final of the 97kg category,…
Indian wrestling has taken a decisive step toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) finalising a new set of foreign coaches across all three disciplines men’s freestyle, women’s wrestling, and Greco-Roman. The appointments, subject to final approval from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), underline a clear shift…
The selection trials for the Indian women’s wrestling team for the Asian Wrestling Championships 2026, scheduled to begin on April 6, delivered a mix of expected dominance and stunning upsets, signalling a transition phase in Indian wrestling. While several established names secured their spots with commanding performances, the biggest talking point of the trials was…
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has formally announced its selection policy for the Indian wrestling team for the Asian Games 2026, laying out a structured, eligibility-based pathway centered on mandatory selection trials across all Olympic weight categories. The policy document, issued under the authority of WFI President Sanjay Kumar Singh, emphasizes a “fair, transparent,…
India’s women wrestlers delivered a strong showing at the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series in Albania, securing four medals across multiple weight categories over the course of the competition. The medals included two silvers on Day 4, following earlier podium finishes on Day 2 and Day 3, underlining depth across the squad in a high-quality international…
Indian freestyle wrestler Sujeet Kalkal delivered one of the most dominant performances of the international wrestling season, storming to the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series title in Tirana, Albania with a stunning 10-0 technical superiority win over Azerbaijan’s Rashid Babazade in the men’s 65kg final. The bout lasted just 78 seconds. In a clinical display of…
The 2026 edition of the IIS Dangal Championship concluded on a high note in Hisar, with U23 World Championships medallists Nishu and Yash emerging as standout performers in their respective weight categories. Organised by the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) and powered by Parle G, the championship witnessed a record turnout, drawing over 300 entries…
The international wrestling season kicked off with the Zagreb Open 2026 Ranking Series, held from 4 to 8 February in Zagreb, Croatia. The tournament made global headlines with the return of Iranian legend Hassan Yazdani to the mat after Paris, along with several reigning World champions suffering unexpected defeats. However, here we focus specifically on…
India’s women wrestlers continued their impressive run on the international circuit as Manisha Bhanwala clinched gold at the Zagreb Open Ranking Series 2026, headlining a strong overall showing that also saw Antim Panghal secure bronze and Diksha Malik claim silver. Competing in the women’s 57kg freestyle category, Manisha delivered a composed and tactically sharp performance…
India’s wrestlers continued to make steady progress at the season-opening Zagreb Ranking Series in Croatia, adding more silver and bronze medals across women’s freestyle and Greco-Roman categories. With consistent podium finishes over the first two days, India’s overall medal tally climbed to 1 gold, 4 silver and 6 bronze, reflecting depth across weight classes rather…
Indian Greco-Roman wrestler Chetan delivered one of the standout performances of the tournament at the Zagreb Ranking Series, storming into the 63kg final with a series of commanding victories before eventually settling for silver. Competing in one of the most technically demanding divisions of Greco-Roman wrestling, Chetan combined tactical sharpness with attacking authority to carve…
India continued its strong showing at the Zagreb Ranking Series with a four-medal surge on Day 2, led by Neelam Sirohi’s silver in the women’s 50kg category. Adding to the tally were three bronze medals from Muskan (50kg), Vicky Hooda (97kg freestyle), and Dinesh Dhankhar (125kg freestyle), underlining India’s growing depth across weight classes. The…
The first freestyle Zagreb Ranking Series event of the 2026 season in Zagreb, Croatia, delivered an early snapshot of global wrestling power dynamics and from an Indian perspective, there is plenty to build on. India finished third in the overall medal standings with five medals, behind the United States (13) and Iran (10), but ahead…
India enjoyed a productive opening day at the Zagreb Ranking Series, with the contingent returning home with a complete set of medals across weight categories. Olympic medallist Aman Sehrawat claimed silver in the men’s 61kg category, Sujeet Kalkal delivered a dominant gold at 65kg, while Abhimanyou Mandwal added a bronze at 70kg. Mukul Dahiya narrowly…
Indian wrestling continued its strong early-season momentum as Sujeet Kalkal produced a flawless run to clinch the 65kg gold medal at the Zagreb Ranking Series, stamping his authority with a series of ruthless, technically superior performances. The U23 World Champion was the only Indian wrestler to reach the final on the opening day of the…
India’s rising wrestling star Sujeet Kalkal has delivered another statement performance on the international mat, storming into the final of the Zagreb Ranking Series with a ruthless 11–0 technical fall over American Joseph McKenna. The emphatic victory not only underlined Sujeet’s red-hot form but also confirmed that the reigning U23 World Champion is rapidly transitioning…
The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) concluded its landmark fifth season with a spectacle that extended far beyond the wrestling mat, reaffirming its place as one of India’s most high-profile and culturally resonant sporting properties. After a seven-year hiatus, the league’s reimagined return in 2026 delivered elite competition, packed arenas, and an extraordinary convergence of political…
This year’s international wrestling season commences with the Zagreb Open Ranking Series, starting on 4 February in the Croatian capital of Zagreb. The tournament is the first of four ranking series events scheduled to take place this year, with the other three being held in Albania, Mongolia, and Hungary. Wrestlers gain valuable ranking points by…
The international wrestling landscape has been handed a major shake-up after United World Wrestling (UWW) officially announced its qualification framework for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. While the headline numbers may look straightforward on paper, the deeper implications could dramatically alter how countries including India plan their Olympic campaigns over the next three years….
Haryana Thunders were crowned champions of the Pro Wrestling League 2026 after surviving an extraordinary, edge-of-the-seat final against Delhi Dangal Warriors at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Sunday night. In a contest that swung violently from bout to bout, the title was decided only in the very last match, where Paris Olympic silver medallist Iryna…
In Indian wrestling, there are champions who dominate early and there are champions who never let a match escape them. Sujeet Kalkal belongs firmly to the second category the kind of wrestler who can look beaten for five minutes and still find a way to win in the final thirty seconds. Ask him about this…
Haryana Thunders underlined their status as the most complete side of Pro Wrestling League 2026 with a nerve-shredding 5–4 victory over Punjab Royals in the first semi-final at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Friday night. In a contest that swung violently across nine bouts, the table-toppers absorbed early blows before producing a decisive mid-match surge,…
When Antim Panghal stepped onto the mat to face Yui Susaki in the Pro Wrestling League, she was not just wrestling an Olympic medallist she was confronting a version of herself she is still trying to become. Susaki arrived in India unbeaten, untouchable in the league, and carrying the aura of someone who has already…
Delhi Dangal Warriors held their nerve in a dramatic final league encounter of the Pro Wrestling League 2026, defeating Punjab Royals 5–4 at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Wednesday to book a place in the semi-finals. In a match that swung repeatedly between the two teams, Delhi produced their best collective performance of the season…
Haryana Thunders capped off a commanding league-stage campaign at the Pro Wrestling League 2026 by defeating UP Dominators 6–3 in a gripping final round-robin encounter at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Tuesday night. The win not only confirmed Haryana’s supremacy on the night but also sealed their place at the summit of the standings, with…
Delhi Dangal Warriors produced a composed, all-round performance to defeat Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals 6–3 in Match 13 of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 at the Noida Indoor Stadium, keeping their semi-final aspirations firmly alive. The victory yielded two crucial match points for Delhi, lifting them to four points from four ties and placing…
Ana Godinez rose to the moment when it mattered most, producing a commanding performance in the decisive 62kg women’s bout to steer Punjab Royals to a crucial 5–4 victory over Maharashtra Kesari in Match 12 of the Pro Wrestling League, PWL 2026 at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Sunday night. In a contest that swung…
Haryana Thunders sent out the clearest message of the Pro Wrestling League 2026 season so far, producing a ruthless and record-breaking performance to dismantle Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals 6–3 at the Noida Indoor Stadium. The emphatic victory lifted Haryana from third place to the top of the standings, while Mumbai’s difficult campaign continued as they…
Maharashtra Kesari climbed to the top of the Pro Wrestling League, PWL 2026 standings after producing one of the most dramatic team performances of the season, edging out the previously unbeaten Haryana Thunders 5–4 in a pulsating Match 10 at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Friday night. With the tie locked at 4–4 going into…
In a league that thrives on spectacle as much as sporting excellence, the Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals have taken a decisive step towards shaping their identity by unveiling their official team anthem for Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2.0. Rooted in Mumbai’s contemporary rap culture and layered with traditional regional sounds, the anthem is more than…
In one of the most gripping ties of the Pro Wrestling League, PWL 2026 so far, Maharashtra Kesari edged past UP Dominators 5–4 in Match 9 at the Noida Indoor Stadium, thanks to a stunning late fall by Harshita Mor in the women’s 76kg bout. The result lifted Maharashtra Kesari to second place on the…
Punjab Royals produced one of the most dramatic turnarounds of the Pro Wrestling League 2026, storming back from a 3–1 deficit to defeat Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals 6–3 in a gripping Day 6 contest at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Tuesday night. What began as a dominant display from the Tiigers rapidly transformed into a…
UP Dominators produced one of the most dramatic turnarounds of Pro Wrestling League 2026, clawing their way back from a 4–1 deficit to defeat Delhi Dangal Warriors 5–4 in Match 7 at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Sunday. What initially appeared to be a comfortable outing for Delhi transformed into a gripping contest of momentum…
Manisha Bhanvala delivered a statement performance to spearhead Maharashtra Kesari’s emphatic 6–3 victory over Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals in Match 6 of the Pro Wrestling League 2026. Her explosive win by fall in the women’s 57kg category proved to be the defining moment of the contest, as Maharashtra registered their first win of the season…
Japanese wrestling legend Yui Susaki produced a performance for the ages as Haryana Thunders registered a commanding 6–3 victory over Delhi Dangal Warriors in Match 5 of the Pro Wrestling League 2026 in Noida on Friday. Susaki’s breathtaking technical superiority win in just 57 seconds not only anchored Haryana’s dominant outing but also established a…
UP Dominators delivered a commanding response in the Pro Wrestling League 2026, registering an emphatic 7–2 victory over Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals in Match 4 at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Saturday evening. The win marked a strong comeback performance, built on tactical discipline, depth across weight categories, and standout individual displays. Two-time U20 World…
Haryana Thunders announced their arrival in the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 in emphatic fashion, registering a commanding 7–2 victory over Punjab Royals in their opening fixture at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Friday night. Delivering dominance across multiple weight categories, Haryana set the tone early and never allowed Punjab a foothold, combining tactical discipline…
Delhi Dangal Warriors produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Maharashtra Kesari 6–3 in Match 2 of the Pro Wrestling League, underlining their depth and tactical sharpness across weight categories. The tie was defined by decisive wins in the women’s bouts, solid control in the heavier men’s divisions, and a composed finish from Sujeet Kalkal…
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…
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…
