Haryana Thunders Launch PWL 2026 Campaign with Commanding Victory
Haryana Thunders announced their arrival in the Pro Wrestling League 2026 with authority on Friday night. The team delivered a thunderous performance at Noida Indoor Stadium, outclassing Punjab Royals by a convincing 7-2 margin in their opening tie.
Early Dominance Sets the Tone
From the opening bout, Haryana Thunders seized control of the contest. They displayed sharp tactical execution across weight categories, blending relentless scoring with disciplined wrestling. Punjab Royals struggled to find any rhythm as Haryana's wrestlers dictated the pace and direction throughout the evening.
The action began with Ashirov Ashraf setting an early tone in the men's 86kg category. He edged past Tariel G in a closely contested 6-5 bout that showcased technical precision.
Punjab's Brief Response Quickly Extinguished
Punjab Royals found a momentary response through Chandermohan in the men's 74kg bout. He defeated Parvinder with a solid 13-6 victory, but this proved to be Punjab's only significant resistance of the night.
Haryana Thunders quickly regained control and never looked back. The momentum shifted decisively in their favor as the evening progressed.
Neha Sangwan Delivers Flawless Performance
The highlight of the night came from Neha Sangwan in the women's 57kg category. She produced a clinical performance against Punjab captain Roksana Zasina, registering a flawless 8-0 victory. Her dominant display earned her the well-deserved Player of the Match honors.
Following Sangwan's masterclass, Iryna Koliadenko continued Haryana's dominance in the women's 62kg category. She secured a commanding 15-2 win over Ana Godinez, showcasing superior technique and control.
Haryana Extends Lead with Multiple Victories
Ankush added to Haryana's tally with a solid 5-2 victory against Chirag in the men's 57kg bout. Then came one of the most dominant performances of the evening from Tumur Tulga in the men's 65kg category. He completely blanked Islam Guseinov with an impressive 15-0 victory.
The women's 76kg contest between Kajal and Priya Malik ended in a hard-fought 2-2 draw. However, any hopes of a late Punjab resurgence were quickly extinguished when Yui Susaki secured a walkover win against Hansika Lamba in the women's 53kg category.
Late Consolation for Punjab
Punjab managed one final victory through Dinesh in the men's 125kg bout. He defeated Anirudh Gulia 7-3, but by this point the tie was already firmly in Haryana's grasp. The final 7-2 scoreline reflected Haryana's comprehensive superiority throughout the contest.
Owner Expresses Pride in Team Performance
Reacting to the impressive start, Haryana Thunders owner Ms Prerana Banka expressed pride in her team's mindset and preparation. She emphasized that this victory reflects months of hard work by wrestlers and support staff.
"This win represents just the beginning for us," Banka stated. "The intent shown tonight perfectly captures what Haryana Thunders stand for - fearless, disciplined, and hungry for success. We believe this squad has the potential to go all the way in the tournament."
With this commanding victory over Punjab Royals, Haryana Thunders have opened their PWL 2026 campaign on the highest possible note. They've sent a clear message to other teams about their championship ambitions this season.
