Under the leadership of Dayaan Farooqui, Promoter and Chairman, the new avatar of the Pro Wrestling League will transform traditional Indian wrestling into a professionally managed, globally appealing sporting property.
“Our mission is to make kushti a household name in India,” Farooqui said. “Wrestling has always been a source of pride, but it hasn’t been commercialized at the scale it deserves. With the PWL, we’re creating a league that will rival the IPL — rooted in Indian heritage but designed for a global audience.”
Farooqui’s strategy envisions a seamless fusion of India’s wrestling legacy with world-class production and sponsorship standards, ensuring that the sport commands the same visibility and glamour as cricket.
Akhil Gupta, Promoter and CEO, is spearheading the operational framework of the league with a player-first approach. His vision is to empower Indian wrestlers by offering financial stability, professional branding, and international exposure.
“Our goal is to empower Indian wrestlers — to give them opportunities, respect, and recognition at par with the best athletes globally,” Gupta said. “The Pro Wrestling League isn’t just a tournament. It’s a movement to build icons and reshape India’s sports ecosystem.”
Gupta’s roadmap includes structured player contracts, franchise-based teams, and high-end production standards, supported by global broadcast partnerships to enhance viewer engagement and league sustainability.
ONO Media: The Driving Force
With ONO Media at the helm, the Pro Wrestling League will leverage the company’s expertise in sports media production, marketing, and distribution. The aim is to deliver immersive, high-definition storytelling and interactive fan experiences that integrate wrestling into India’s mainstream entertainment calendar.
“ONO Media’s acquisition of PWL rights is more than a business move — it’s the foundation of a new sports entertainment era,” said a company statement.
From Akhadas to Arenas
Beyond the professional arena, the revived PWL will focus on grassroots talent development. Plans include the establishment of regional training centers, scouting programs, and athlete development initiatives to identify young wrestlers from traditional akhadas and train them for professional competition.
“We’re creating pathways from local akhadas to global podiums,” Farooqui said. “This league will bring kushti closer to every Indian household.”
The Next Sporting Revolution
Industry observers describe the PWL revival as India’s next major sports revolution, citing its robust franchise model, athlete empowerment, and massive audience potential. With India’s deep wrestling tradition and its growing appetite for televised sports entertainment, experts believe the PWL could reshape the nation’s sporting identity and give rise to a new generation of homegrown stars.
As the league prepares for its relaunch, expectations are high that the Pro Wrestling League will not only elevate Indian wrestling to global standards but also solidify its place as the next big chapter in India’s sports entertainment story
