Haryana Wrestlers Anant Panghal and Dinesh Dhankhar to Face Off in 5th Pro Wrestling League

January 15, 2026

Haryana: The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) is starting today, January 15th. Notably, the league is making a comeback after a long hiatus of seven years. This time too, wrestling fans will witness thrilling matches. The matches are being held at the indoor stadium in Noida.

In this league, Haryana’s renowned wrestlers will once again showcase their strength and technique. In the opening match, Antim Panghal’s team, the UP Dominators, will face Dinesh Dhankhar’s team, the Punjab Royals.

6 Franchise Teams, Including Olympic Medalists

This time, six franchise teams are participating in the Pro Wrestling League. Olympic medalist Aman Sehrawat will also be seen competing this season. He is part of the Mumbai Tigers team. Antim Panghal will represent the UP Dominators and will challenge the Punjab Royals in the opening match.

Dinesh Dhankhar, the four-time Hind Kesari wrestler from Jhajjar district, and his team, the Punjab Royals, will also demonstrate their prowess in the arena on the very first day.

Antim Panghal Bought for ₹52 Lakh

Antim Panghal was bought by the UP Dominators for ₹52 lakh. She is a two-time Under-20 World Champion and an Asian Games bronze medalist. Antim competes in the 53 kg weight category.

Her base price in the auction was ₹18 lakh, but the bidding went up to ₹52 lakh. She became the most expensive Indian female wrestler in this auction. Antim had previously won a gold medal at the Asian Wrestling Championships and a bronze medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.

Dinesh Dhankhar Bought by Punjab Royals for ₹36 Lakh

Dinesh Dhankhar, a 125 kg wrestler from Goyla Kala village in Jhajjar, was acquired by the Punjab Royals for ₹36 lakh. His base price was ₹12 lakh. Dinesh Dhankhar has won the Hind Kesari title four times and the Bharat Kesari title twice. He has also won medals in national and Asian-level competitions.

Haryana Wrestlers the Most Expensive

In this year’s auction, wrestlers from Haryana proved to be the most expensive. In total, Haryana wrestlers were bought for ₹1.55 crore.

1. Aman Sehrawat – Mumbai Tigers – ₹51 lakh
2. Antim Panghal – UP Dominators – ₹52 lakh
3. Sujit – Delhi Dangal Warriors – ₹52 lakh
4. Dinesh Dhankhar – Punjab Royals – ₹36 lakh

Unique Match Format

• Each match in the Pro Wrestling League will consist of two rounds.
• Each round will be 3 minutes long.
• The rules will be similar to those of the Olympics.
• Points scored in the last minute of the second round will be counted double.