Hisar: Arjuna Award-winning wrestler Pooja Dhanda entered a new chapter in her life as she got married at a private resort in the city. Pooja, a resident of Sundar Nagar in Hisar, tied the knot on Thursday with Abhishek Boora, a businessman from Ghiray village in the district. The marriage marked an important personal milestone for the celebrated athlete, as per agency report.

Pooja, who secured a bronze medal in the 57 kg category at the 2018 World Championships in Budapest, has been one of India’s most consistent performers in wrestling. Her achievements include a silver medal at the 2010 Youth Olympics, another silver at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, and a bronze at the 2014 Asian Wrestling Championships. She currently serves as a senior wrestling coach with the Haryana Sports Department at Mahavir Stadium in Hisar.

After the wedding, Pooja stated that she intends to remain actively involved in wrestling. She plans to focus on training young wrestlers with the aim of guiding them toward Olympic success. The ceremony was attended by several athletes, political leaders and officials.

Originally from Budhana village in Hisar district, Pooja began her sporting journey in judo at Mahavir Stadium before switching to wrestling in 2009. Although she had earned multiple international medals in judo, she was encouraged by former Indian wrestler and coach Kripa Shankar Bishnoi to take up wrestling as a full-time career, a decision that shaped her future in the sport.

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.

New Delhi, March 7 – On the occasion of International Women's Day, celebrated wrestler and Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik shared her thoughts in an interview with news agency IANS. She highlighted not only her personal experiences but also the evolving societal landscape and the growing role of women. She expressed her belief that the struggles and contributions of women should not be confined to just one day of celebration.

As per agency reports, Sakshi asserted that women should not be honored solely on March 8, the designated International Women’s Day. Instead, she believes that every day should be a celebration of women. Reflecting on her own life, she shared how women face multiple challenges throughout their journey, overcoming obstacles at every stage.

Recalling her early years in wrestling, Sakshi described how she had to train with minimal resources. Despite these hardships, she not only built a successful career but also balanced her responsibilities as a mother. She emphasized that mothers juggle multiple roles simultaneously, and their efforts deserve daily recognition, not just on a specific occasion.

Speaking about societal changes, Sakshi noted that in Haryana, there was once a stark difference in how boys and girls were treated. However, she has witnessed significant progress over the years. She credited her success in wrestling as a catalyst for shifting societal perceptions, inspiring many parents to encourage their daughters to pursue sports. She pointed to the achievements of athletes like Manu Bhaker, who made history in the Olympics, as a testament to the fact that girls are capable of excelling in any field.

Sakshi strongly believes that a woman determined to achieve her goals, with focus and discipline, can accomplish anything. She also acknowledged the unique challenges faced by female athletes. She remarked that a woman's sports career is often shorter due to various factors, requiring careful planning and decision-making. Encouraging young women, she urged them to perform fearlessly and give their best, regardless of the obstacles they encounter.

Reflecting on her own journey, Sakshi acknowledged that she and other athletes had to stand up against injustice, fight for their rights, and even lead protests when necessary. She encouraged all women, irrespective of their field, to continue working hard and contributing to the country in meaningful ways.

Though she has retired from wrestling, Sakshi remains committed to the sport. She expressed her desire to train young athletes while also focusing on her newborn daughter and maintaining her fitness. Offering advice to aspiring female athletes, she emphasized the importance of setting clear goals and working towards them with honesty and dedication, assuring that success would follow.

New Delhi: Indian wrestling champions Sakshi Malik and Geeta Phogat announced the formation of the Wrestling Champions Super League (WCSL) on Monday. The new initiative aims to provide Indian wrestlers with the opportunity to compete with the world’s best and enhance their global presence.

Sakshi Malik took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the news, stating, "Our villages and communities raised us, but it was the nation that united to make us champions. There is no greater honor than fighting for the tricolor, and your love and inspiration made it possible. We are immensely grateful for your support and for the contributions of our public and private partners. We are especially thankful for the government’s continuous commitment and support."

She further explained, "The only way to repay this trust is by dedicating our talent, experience, perseverance, and success to serve the sport. This is why we three (including Geeta Phogat) have formed the Wrestling Champions Super League (WCSL). WCSL is a world-class international league that will equip our wrestlers with the skills and strength to compete with the best on the global stage, supported by the best systems in a highly competitive, expert-driven environment."

Paris Olympics bronze medalist Aman Sehrawat is also expected to participate in the league.  

Sakshi expressed her excitement about Aman’s involvement, saying, "We are thrilled that Aman shares our vision and has joined us on this journey. He believes that this league is an admirable initiative that will greatly benefit Indian wrestling, and I fully support it. We are eager to collaborate with this shining star of Indian wrestling."

She added, "Indian wrestling is rooted in stories of heroism, pride, and community spirit. Through WCSL, we will bring these stories to life! While WCSL will focus on wrestling, it is driven by our desire to develop a culture of sustained high performance in Indian sports and to bring the joy of sports to every Indian."

Sakshi concluded by saying, "Although WCSL has been founded by both Geeta and me, it is a national mission that is committed to working respectfully and closely with all stakeholders. Winning, after all, is a team effort. Our hearts beat only for India, Indian wrestling, and Indian sports. Let’s come together to make India a sporting powerhouse! Jai Hind."

Sakshi, who along with Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, led the protests against Brij Bhushan Singh, announced her retirement from wrestling last year.

New Delhi - In a significant political move, Olympic medalists Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have officially joined the Congress party, marking their entry into politics. The induction ceremony, held at the Congress headquarters on Friday, was attended by party's General Secretary KC Venugopal who formally welcomed the athletes into the fold.

Vinesh Phogat, who resigned from her position with the railways prior to joining the party, expressed her gratitude towards Congress for its support during her challenging times. Bajrang Punia echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the party's role during critical moments of their careers and public protests.

During the ceremony, Venugopal highlighted the wrestlers' significant contributions to sports and their potential to inspire political engagement among the youth. “We are proud to welcome Vinesh and Bajrang into the Congress family. Their dedication to sports and public welfare is commendable, and we believe they will bring the same fervor to their political careers,” stated Venugopal.

Addressing the media post-induction, Phogat and Punia vowed to continue their fight for justice and public welfare, not just on the mats but also in the political arena. Vinesh expressed her commitment to supporting women and underrepresented communities, "I feel immensely proud today. We will continue our fight and win. I have always stood by my sisters, and Congress stands with you too.”

Bajrang Punia recounted his active participation in various social causes, including the farmers' protests, opposition to the Agnipath scheme, and supporting female wrestlers during their protests. “Politics will be a new platform for us to serve society,” he stated.

The entry of these prominent sports figures into Congress is seen as a strategic move by the party to strengthen its appeal among young voters and sports enthusiasts. With elections around the corner, the party anticipates that the inclusion of Phogat and Punia will significantly boost its campaign and connect with the masses.

On Wednesday, celebrated Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, sparking discussions about their potential entry into politics. The Congress party shared images of this significant meeting on social media platform X, highlighting its potential implications for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections.

From Sports to Politics?

Both wrestlers are currently seen as prospective candidates for the Congress in the state elections. The party is expected to announce its first list of candidates for the Haryana Assembly soon, which might include the names of these prominent athletes. This political engagement follows their recent activism against BJP leader Brijbhushan Sharan Singh. 

Vinesh Phogat, who also participated in the recent Paris Olympics, faced disappointment as she was disqualified for not maintaining the required weight class in the finals.

The transition of these athletes from sports to potentially significant political roles underscores a growing trend of sports personalities engaging directly in governance and public service, leveraging their popularity and leadership skills beyond the athletic arena.

New Delhi — Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was greeted with a grand welcome in the national capital on Saturday, following her return from the Paris Olympics. The roadshow, held in her honor, saw the participation of fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda.

Sakshi Malik praised Vinesh, saying, "What Vinesh has done for the country, very few people can achieve. She deserves more respect and appreciation." Bajrang Punia echoed this sentiment, adding, "The countrymen are giving her tremendous love, as evident by the warm reception she received."

Vinesh Phogat arrived at Indira Gandhi National Airport in Delhi earlier on Saturday, where fans and supporters showered her with flowers. The Haryana-born wrestler, who became the first Indian female wrestler to reach the final of the Paris Olympics, was visibly emotional and broke down in tears upon exiting the airport.

Despite her historic achievement, Vinesh was disqualified from the 50kg gold medal bout for being 100 grams overweight. Her appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to be awarded a joint silver medal was rejected on Wednesday. A day after her disqualification on August 8, Vinesh announced her retirement from wrestling.

A massive crowd gathered at the Delhi airport to welcome the 29-year-old athlete, celebrating her journey and contributions to Indian sports.

Indian wrestler Aman Sehrawat achieved a significant milestone by winning the bronze medal in the men's 57 kg freestyle category at the Paris Olympics 2024. The 21-year-old triumphed over Puerto Rico's Darian Toi Cruz with a decisive 13-5 victory in the bronze medal match held on Friday.

In his earlier bouts, Aman displayed commendable skill, advancing through the pre-quarterfinals and quarterfinals with ease. However, he faced a tough challenge in the semi-finals against Japan's top-seeded Rei Higuchi, where he experienced a one-sided defeat.

Aman's bronze medal adds to India's tally of six medals at the Paris Olympics, which includes five bronze and one silver. In his bout against Cruz, Aman took an early lead of 6-3 in the first round and further extended his advantage in the second round, leaving Cruz with no opportunity to stage a comeback.

Notably, Aman was India's sole male wrestler at the Paris Olympics and continued the country's tradition of winning wrestling medals since the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Past medalists include Sushil Kumar, who won bronze in 2008 and silver in 2012, Yogeshwar Dutt, who won bronze in 2012, Sakshi Malik, who won bronze in 2016, and Ravi Dahiya and Bajrang Punia, who won silver and bronze, respectively, in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

This marked Aman's debut at the Olympics, and he successfully opened India's medal account in wrestling, bringing joy to the nation after Vinesh Phogat's disqualification. His achievement is a testament to his dedication and hard work, making his country proud on the global stage.

Istanbul, May 11 : Nisha Dahiya's remarkable performance at the World Wrestling Olympic Qualifiers in Istanbul, Turkey, has earned India a quota spot in the women's freestyle 68kg category for the Paris Olympics 2024. This achievement adds to India's growing tally of Olympic berths in wrestling, with all five Paris 2024 quotas being secured by female wrestlers.

Competing in a highly competitive field, Nisha displayed exceptional skill and determination. She defeated former U-23 World Championships silver medalist Alina Shochuk and top seed Adela Hanzlikova in the earlier rounds. In the semi-finals, Nisha faced off against Alexandra Engel of Romania, a formidable opponent who had previously won bronze at the World Championships and was a European champion. Despite the pressure, Nisha emerged victorious with a score of 8-4, securing the Olympic quota for India.

This milestone achievement underscores India's growing prowess in women's wrestling. The Paris 2024 wrestling quotas have been a significant focus for India, with Ultimate Panghal securing the first quota at the 2023 World Wrestling Championships, followed by Vinesh Phogat, Anshu Malik, and Ritika Hooda earning quotas at the Asian Qualifiers in Bishkek last month.

While Nisha's success has been a highlight, India's hopes in Greco-Roman wrestling were dashed when Sunil Kumar lost in the repechage of the men's 87 kg category. Despite his efforts, Sunil fell short of securing a quota spot for India in Greco-Roman wrestling.

As India looks ahead to the Paris Olympics 2024, the nation celebrates Nisha Dahiya's achievement while eagerly anticipating the performance of the six Indian men's freestyle wrestlers set to compete for Olympic quotas on Saturday.