PWL: Training With World Champions to Boost Young Indian Wrestlers’ Olympic Preparations, Says Haryana Coach

Haryana, Jan 02 : Haryana Thunders emerged champions of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 after edging past Delhi Dangal Warriors 5–4 in a nail biting final on Sunday, with head coach Virender Dahiya attributing the triumph to long term planning, faith in youth, and exposure to world-class competition.

Speaking after the title win, Dahiya said the franchise’s management had given the coaching staff complete freedom from the outset, without placing pressure to deliver immediate results. Instead, the focus was on building a balanced squad that could help young Indian wrestlers grow.

“The franchise never asked us to make the team champions. The only direction was to give opportunities to experienced wrestlers and young talent alike. During the auction, our priority was quality and selecting Indian wrestlers who would genuinely benefit from this platform,” Dahiya said.

He explained that the team deliberately picked several 18–19-year old wrestlers to ensure balance and sustainability. “That approach helped us reach the semifinals, then the final, and eventually win the league. It was a true team effort,” he added.

Dahiya, who is also the head coach of India’s women’s national wrestling team, highlighted the rapid rise of young female wrestlers in the country. He pointed out that several teenagers have already defeated Olympic medallists, European champions, and World Championship medallists in recent competitions.

“Wrestlers like Kajal and Sarika have beaten top international opponents. The future of these girls is extremely bright, and their progress will be crucial for India at upcoming events like the Asian Games,” he said.

The Haryana coach stressed that competing and training alongside elite foreign wrestlers has had a transformative effect on Indian athletes. According to him, sharing the mat with global stars has boosted confidence and ambition across the squad.

“Many of our wrestlers had only seen someone like Yui Susaki on television. When they first trained with her, some were overwhelmed. She trained with us for nearly 20 days, and that experience has lifted morale enormously. Now the girls want to reach that level themselves,” Dahiya said.

He also praised the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for reviving the Pro Wrestling League after it was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it a vital platform for the sport’s growth.

“The league restarting is part of WFI’s vision to strengthen Indian wrestling. I’ve heard plans are underway to expand from six to twelve teams and host matches across multiple states. That kind of exposure will have a massive impact on India’s Olympic preparations,” he said.

Haryana Thunders’ PWL 2026 championship not only capped a thrilling season but also highlighted the increasing depth, confidence, and international exposure of Indian wrestling as the country gears up for major global tournaments.