PWL 2026: Haryana Thunders Edge Past Punjab Royals 5–4 to Reach Final

Haryana, Jan 31 : Thunders maintained their dominant run in the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026, edging past Punjab Royals 5–4 in a thrilling first semi-final at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Friday to secure a spot in the final.

The league-stage leaders, with four wins and eight points, absorbed early pressure before taking control in the latter half of the tie, demonstrating why they have been the season’s most consistent team. Punjab Royals, fourth in the knockouts, fought hard to stay alive until the final bouts, but Haryana’s composure at crucial moments proved decisive.

Key Performers Shine

Parvinder earned the Impact Player of the Match for his late comeback in the 74kg men’s bout, halting Punjab’s momentum. Priya Malik claimed the Fighter of the Match award for her emphatic fall in the 76kg women’s category, while Player of the Match honours went to Paris Olympic silver medallist Iryna Koliadenko, whose 62kg women’s win swung the tie firmly in Haryana’s favour.

Early Lead for Punjab, Haryana Strikes Back

Punjab Royals opened the scoring in the 57kg men’s bout as Chirag Chhikara beat Rohit 2–1. Haryana responded quickly through Parvinder, who turned an 8–8 tie into a last-point win in the 74kg men’s contest. Punjab regained the lead in the 125kg heavyweight bout as Dinesh Dhankhar narrowly overcame Anirudh Gulia 8–6.

Priya Malik Levels for Punjab

In the 76kg women’s category, Priya Malik handed Kajal Dhochhak her first defeat of the season, winning by fall in 99 seconds to give Punjab a 3–1 advantage.

Haryana’s Comeback Led by Koliadenko and Sangwan

Haryana fought back with Ashirov Ashraf defeating Sandeep Maan 5–1 in the 86kg men’s bout. The turning point came in the 62kg women’s contest as Iryna Koliadenko overcame Ana Godinez by fall, equalising the score at 3–3. Neha Sangwan further tilted the tie in Haryana’s favour with a dominant 9–2 win in the 57kg women’s bout.

Tulga Seals Victory

The semi-final was clinched by Tumur Ochir Tulga, who edged Anuj Kumar 2–1 in the 65kg men’s bout, ensuring Haryana’s 5–4 triumph. Punjab secured a consolation win in the 53kg women’s bout by forfeit.

Semi-Final 1 Results:

57kg (Men) – Chirag Chhikara (Punjab) bt Rohit (Haryana) 2–1

74kg (Men) – Parvinder (Haryana) bt Chandermohan (Punjab) 8–8 (Last Point Scored)

125kg (Men) – Dinesh Dhankhar (Punjab) bt Anirudh Gulia (Haryana) 8–6

76kg (Women) – Priya Malik (Punjab) bt Kajal Dhochhak (Haryana) by Fall (14–0)

86kg (Men) – Ashirov Ashraf (Haryana) bt Sandeep Mann (Punjab) 5–1

62kg (Women) – Iryna Koliadenko (Haryana) bt Ana Godinez (Punjab) by Fall (5–5)

57kg (Women) – Neha Sangwan (Haryana) bt Rajnita Jangra (Punjab) 9–2

65kg (Men) – Tumur Ochir Tulga (Haryana) bt Anuj Kumar (Punjab) 2–1

53kg (Women) – Meenakshi (Punjab) won by forfeit

Haryana Thunders will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Delhi Dangal Warriors and UP Dominators, with live coverage on Sony Sports Ten 4 and Ten 5, and streaming on Sony LIV.