Noida, 17 January (H.S.): Haryana Thunders launched the Pro Wrestling League 2026 with a commanding 7-2 victory over Punjab Royals in a late Friday night thriller at Noida Indoor Stadium, seizing early dominance and never relinquishing it.

Neha Sangwan earned Player of the Match honors with an 8-0 demolition of Punjab captain Roxana Zaseena in the women's 57kg category, while under-23 world champion and Asian Championships bronze medalist Priya Malik claimed Fighter of the Match for her gritty performance in the 76kg women's division. The league runs from January 15 to February 1.

Haryana struck first as Ashirov Ashraf edged Tariel Gafirdashvili 6-5 in the 86kg class, but Punjab leveled at 1-1 when Chandramohan capitalized on power minute advantages to defeat Parvinder 13-6 in 74kg.

Momentum swung decisively thereafter: Sangwan's one-sided triumph restored the lead, followed by two-time Olympic medalist Iryna Koliadenko's 15-2 thrashing of Ana Godinez in 62kg.Ankush Chandram outpointed Chirag Chikara 5-2, and Tumur Ochir Tulga secured technical superiority 15-0 over Islam Gusenov in 65kg.

The 76kg women's bout proved the closest, ending 2-2 before Kajal Dhochak prevailed on criteria for a 6-1 Haryana edge; Dinesh Dhankhar pulled one back for Punjab with a 7-3 heavyweight win over Anirudh Gulia, making it 6-2.Olympic and four-time world champion Yui Susaki sealed the rout via forfeit against Hansika Lamba in the finale.

League action continues Saturday with a double-header: Tigers of Mumbai vs. UP Dominators at 6:30 PM, followed by Delhi Danga Warriors vs. Haryana Thunders at 8:00 PM.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar