The much-anticipated return of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) was marked by a spectacular auction on Saturday, where women wrestlers commanded the spotlight and shattered records. The bidding war culminated in Japanese sensation Yui Susaki becoming the most expensive player in the league's history, acquired by Haryana Thunders for a staggering Rs 60 lakhs.
Record-Breaking Bids and Marquee Signings
The auction room buzzed with excitement as multiple franchises vied for the services of world-class talent. The fiercest battle was for Olympic champion Yui Susaki. After missing out on Paris Olympic medallist Aman Sehrawat, who was sold to Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals for Rs 51 lakhs, Haryana Thunders fought hard to secure Susaki's signature for the record sum.
Close on her heels was India's own rising star, Antim Panghal. The World Championships bronze medallist sparked a bidding contest before being snapped up by UP Dominators for Rs 52 lakh. In the men's section, Poland's Robert Baran emerged as the highest-paid male wrestler, fetching Rs 55 lakhs from Maharashtra Kesari.
Strategic Buys and Team Building
Other notable acquisitions defined the strategic approaches of various franchises. Sujeet Kalkal, the U23 World champion, became the costliest Indian male wrestler after a fierce tussle between Delhi Dangal Warriors and Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals. The Warriors ultimately secured him for Rs 52 lakhs.
Delhi Dangal Warriors were active throughout, also adding Azerbaijan's Turan Bayramov and Iran's Hadi Vafaeipour (Rs 26 lakhs) to their squad. Haryana Thunders bolstered their women's lineup further by signing Olympic medalist Iryna Koliadenko for Rs 44 lakhs.
Maharashtra Kesari focused on a balanced roster, picking Asian Games medallist Deepak Punia at his base price and Manisha Bhanvala. Punjab Royals signed a mix of experience and youth with Dinesh Gulia (Rs 36 lakhs) and Priya Malik (Rs 29 lakhs). UP Dominators added depth with wrestlers like Nisha Dahiya and Rahul Dalal.
A New Era for Indian Wrestling
The successful auction signals a vibrant restart for the Pro Wrestling League after its last edition in 2019. The significant investments, particularly in women wrestlers, highlight the growing stature and commercial appeal of the sport in India. The stage is now set for a thrilling season where international stars will clash with India's best, providing a massive boost to wrestling's profile in the country.
