The Pro Wrestling League 2026 saved its very best for the last night. After weeks of bruising bouts, tactical brilliance, and roaring crowds, the title clash between Haryana Thunders and Delhi Dangal Warriors delivered a finale worthy of the league’s long-awaited return. At the packed Noida Indoor Stadium, wrestling fans witnessed a contest that swung wildly until the final whistle, before Haryana edged past Delhi 5–4 to be crowned champions. This was not just a final. It was a test of nerve, stamina, and belief, one that went down to the very last bout and the very last moment.

The League’s Grand Return After Seven Years

PWL 2026 marked the fifth edition of the Pro Wrestling League and its comeback after a seven-year hiatus. Organised by the Wrestling Federation of India, the league ran from 11 January to 1 February 2026, reintroducing franchise-based wrestling to Indian audiences with renewed energy. 

Six teams took part in the season: Haryana Thunders, Delhi Dangal Warriors, Tiigers of Mumbai Dangal, Maharashtra Kesari, Punjab Royals, and UP Dominator each bringing a mix of Indian grit and international firepower. 

With Sony Sports Network as the official broadcast partner, the league found its way back into Indian living rooms, reconnecting fans with the raw appeal of the sport.

A Final That Refused to Choose a Winner Early

From the opening bout, the final followed no script. Haryana and Delhi traded victories, momentum swinging like a pendulum. Every win was answered with a counterpunch, every cheer followed by anxious silence. After eight bouts, the scoreboard read 4–4, turning the contest into a sudden-death scenario. The entire season, weeks of preparation, and the pride of two franchises came down to one final match—the women’s 62 kg category. With the pressure at its absolute peak, Paris Olympic silver medallist Iryna Koliadenko stepped onto the mat for Haryana Thunders. The weight of expectation was immense. One mistake could cost the title. Instead, she delivered a performance of supreme control and composure. Koliadenko dominated the bout with technical superiority, sealing the win decisively and sparking celebrations across the Haryana camp. It was a champion’s response to pressure a reminder that elite athletes thrive when everything is on the line. Her victory sealed the 5–4 triumph and etched Haryana Thunders’ name into PWL history.

The Role Players Who Kept the Dream Alive

While Koliadenko finished the job, Haryana’s title was built on collective effort. Neha Sangwan, awarded Player of the Match, played a crucial role in keeping Haryana alive in the contest when the pressure was mounting. Her performance ensured the final bout even mattered. Akshay Dhere, named Impact Player of the Match, delivered a strong showing in the men’s 57 kg category, proving decisive in the overall team balance. Championships, after all, are rarely won by one moment alone. For Delhi Dangal Warriors, Ronak stood out with an impressive performance in the men’s 125 kg category, earning Fighter of the Match and embodying Delhi’s fighting spirit until the end.

Individual Brilliance Across the Season

Beyond the final, PWL 2026 was a showcase of individual excellence. Turan Bayramov of Delhi Dangal Warriors emerged as the Player of the Tournament, winning all seven of his bouts in the men’s 57 kg category and accumulating 59 points, a remarkable display of consistency and dominance. Meanwhile, Chandermohan of Punjab Royals finished as the highest point scorer of the tournament, underlining the depth of talent across franchises and ensuring that the league’s success extended beyond just the finalists. 

One of the defining features of PWL 2026 was its refreshed rulebook. The modified toss rule, allowing captains to decide bout order rather than blocking weight categories, added tactical depth. Coaches were forced to think strategically, not defensively. The introduction of the “power minute”, where points scored in the final minute of each bout were doubled, injected fresh drama into matches. Like a power play in cricket, it kept fans glued till the very last second.

A Final That Will Be Remembered

PWL 2026 ended the only way a comeback season should—with drama, heart, and a champion forged under pressure. Haryana Thunders didn’t just win a final; they survived it. And in doing so, they gave Indian wrestling a night it won’t forget anytime soon.