Noida, 16 January (H.S.): Punjab Royals ignited the fifth season of Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 with a pulsating 5-4 victory against UP Dominators on Thursday night at Noida Indoor Stadium, claiming two crucial points across nine fiercely contested bouts in the tournament spanning January 15 to February 1.
Punjab's Chandermohan earned Player of the Match honors for his commanding 74kg men's category win, defeating Armenia's Arman Andreasyan 12-5 to spark the early momentum, while UP's Nisha Dahiya secured Fighter of the Match for her dominant 22-4 technical superiority over Punjab captain Ana Godinez in the 62kg women's division.
Early Punjab Surge
Chandermohan and Priya Malik anchored the advantage: Poland's Roxana Zasina toppled USA's Bridget Mary Duty 13-6 in 57kg women, followed by Chirag Chikara's 57kg men's triumph and Priya Malik's 76kg women's success, solidifying Punjab's grip.
UP's Fierce Counter
UP Dominators fought back through Mikhailov Vasil (86kg men), Nisha Dahiya, and Vishal Kali Raman (65kg men), with Dahiya's masterclass standing as the night's standout clash.Heavyweight Clincher
Dinesh Dhankhad sealed Punjab's edge in the 125kg heavyweight bout, outpointing UP's Jasppuran Singh 3-0 for decisive superiority; UP's Antim Panghal claimed the final 53kg women's match via walkover against Hansika Lamba, finalizing the 5-4 scoreline.
Friday's double-header pits Maharashtra Kesari against Delhi Danga Warriors at 6:00 PM, followed by Punjab Royals versus Haryana Thunders.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
