Returning after six years, the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) makes its comeback in 2026 with its first match scheduled on Thursday, January 15, between UP Dominators and Punjab Royals. Indian amateur wrestler Antim Panghal will be in highlight as she will face Punjab Royals’ Meenakshi in the women’s 53kg category.
The two-time Under-20 world champion and Asian Games bronze medallist is being widely acknowledged for her tactics and pace seen from her past performances on the wrestling court. In the 2025 World Wrestling Championships, Panghal won a bronze medal in the 53kg category. She is now the second Indian woman, after Vinesh Phogat with multiple medals won at the event. In October, she was placed at No. 1 among other women’s 53kg in the United World Wrestling (UWW) rankings.
Meanwhile, in the women’s 62kg category, Commonwealth Games silver medallist Ana Godinez will face U-23 world medallist Nisha Dahiya. Dahiya’s counter strikes and mat control will be faced against Godinez’s international experience.
Asian Championships silver medallist Jaspooran Singh will represent UP Dominators in the 125 kg division, where he will face Punjab’s Akash. In the 86kg category, Ukraine’s Vasyl Mikhailov will compete against Punjab Royals Bagomedov Ada. The match will be one to look forward to, where a European champion will compete against a world-level performer.
World championship medallist Arman Andreasyan of Armenia will be facing domestic-level wrestler Chandermohan in the 74kg category. This will be Chadermohan’s first international exposure. Not only him, but this elite level will provide a platform for Indian wrestlers to set the stage and make their mark through strong performances.
As per the league’s revised format, in the final minutes of the second round, there will be 2 three-minute rounds in which double points will be awarded. This rule adds a different strategic perspective while ensuring the difficulty level for both the teams, where no lead or late surges can turn into any sort of advantage for any of the teams.
PWL 2026 UP Dominators and Punjab Royals Men and Women Squads
UP Dominators Women’s Team: Antim Panghal (53 kg), Nisha Dahiya (62 kg), Ojo Damola Hannah (76 kg), Bridgette Marie Duty (57 kg)
Punjab Royals Women’s Team: Ana Godinez (62 kg), Roksana Zasina (57 kg), Priya Malik (76 kg), Meenakshi (53 kg), Rajnita Jangra (57 kg), Rounak Gulia (62 kg)
UP Dominators Men’s Team: Mikhailov Vasyl (86 kg), Arman Andreasyan (74 kg), Rahul Dalal (57 kg), Vishal Kali Ramana (65 kg), Sagar (57 kg), Jaspooran Singh (125 kg)
Punjab Royals Men: Islam Dudaev (65 kg), Dinesh Gulia (125 kg), Chirag Chhikara (57 kg), Bagomedov Ada (86 kg), Chandermohan (74 kg), Akash (125 kg)
