In a bold move set to redefine Indian wrestling, chairman-promoter DayaanFarooqui and promoter-CEO Akhil Gupta have taken over the reins of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) through a strategic acquisition of rights from the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) - ushering in what they believe will be a turning-point for the sport of kushti in India.
A New Era for Indian Wrestling
After four seasons, the Pro Wrestling League is slated to make its comeback in January 2026, following a hiatus since 2019. The WFI confirmed that all rights have been handed over to private media house ONO Media, which will manage the commercial and broadcast aspects of the league.
DayaanFarooqui, in his role as promoter and chairman, emphasises that the PWL is being transformed into a franchise-based ecosystem, modelled on leading leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL), to bring professional structure, commercial appeal and widespread visibility to a sport which has long been steeped in tradition. Meanwhile, Akhil Gupta, as CEO, has laid out a “player-centric” vision which aims to enhance the livelihoods of wrestlers, elevate competitive standards and position Indian athletes for global success.
Why This Matters
This acquisition and revival signals several key shifts in the Indian wrestling landscape:
- The PWL will adopt a six-franchise city-based format, each team fielding nine wrestlers (five Indian and four foreign) across Olympic weight categories in men’s freestyle and women’s events.
- There is a clear ambition to mirror the success of the IPL by not only generating fan engagement but also leveraging media rights, sponsorships and corporate ownership of teams. Farooqui remarks: “We are creating a compelling product for private corporations and investors to own teams… this structure is essential for a self-sustaining model.”
- Gupta’s emphasis on professional contracts, incentives and financial stability reflects a commitment to treating wrestlers as full-fledged professional athletes, not just participants. “Our vision is to transform the life of a wrestler,” he states.
- Importantly, the WFI has signalled a stronger governance role this time around: it will directly handle payments to athletes and franchises, a response to past concerns over non-payment and transparency issues.
The Vision: From Akhada to Home
At the heart of this endeavour is a clear mission: to make kushti a household sport, to build a pipeline of medal-winning Indian wrestlers, and to give the sport broad cultural and commercial footprint. The league’s revival is being positioned as more than just a competition - it is a movement to elevate the sport’s stature in India.
Gupta underscores this when he says the league will "provide a global platform for Indian wrestlers, fuel the nation’s Olympic dreams, and empower the ‘Matri Shakti’ of Indian wrestling." With women’s wrestling increasingly contributing to India’s international success, the PWL’s inclusion of women athletes is timely and strategic.
Farooqui adds that this league is not only about competition but also about connecting akhadas with consumers: “This league will ensure that every young wrestler dreaming of glory will have a clear path - from the local akhara to the international podium.”
Credibility Boost & Publicity Edge
By leveraging the combined strengths of Farooqui’s strategic leadership, Gupta’s operational vision, the alignment with the WFI, and ONO Media’s broadcasting rights, the revived PWL stands to gain credibility, media visibility and commercial traction. The league’s framing as “the second big league after IPL in India’s sporting landscape” carries both ambition and promise.
This narrative – of transforming India’s oldest sport into a modern, mass-market spectacle while nurturing elite talent – offers a compelling story for sponsors, broadcasters, athletes and fans alike.
Looking Ahead
The PWL’s launch in early 2026 will be closely watched. Key indicators of success will include:
- Quality and diversity of franchise ownership and city-based reach.
- Participation of top domestic and international wrestlers in the competition.
- Media rights monetisation, sponsorship partnerships and broadcast viewership.
- Tangible impact on Indian wrestling performance at international events (Asian Games, Olympics).
- Engagement of women’s teams and achieving parity in investment and exposure.
If executed effectively, this revival could mark a watershed moment for Indian wrestling putting kushti firmly in the national spotlight and ensuring its rise from tradition-bound akhada to professional league platform.
In conclusion, with DayaanFarooqui steering as chairman and promoter, and Akhil Gupta driving as CEO, the Pro Wrestling League’s relaunch under a franchise model backed by ONO Media and the WFI represents a strong initiative to bring Indian wrestling into a new era one where athletes are celebrated, competition is elevated, and the sport becomes visible and viable across homes, channels and sponsors alike.
