In one of the most thrilling finales in recent memory, Haryana Thunders were crowned champions of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 after edging out the Delhi Dangal Warriors in a tightly contested 5–4 victory at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Sunday night. The championship match — decided in the final bout — brought the curtain down on a highly competitive season filled with drama, high-stakes matchups and standout individual performances.
The title clash lived up to expectations, with both teams trading blows throughout the evening. After eight intense bouts, the score was locked at 4–4, setting the stage for a dramatic decider in the final women’s 62 kg bout. There, Paris Olympic silver medallist Iryna Koliadenko delivered an emphatic performance under pressure, clinching a 16–0 technical superiority victory over her opponent to secure the decisive point and seal the championship for Haryana Thunders.
The final began with a strong statement by the Delhi Dangal Warriors, as Turan Bayramov asserted early dominance in the 74 kg men’s bout, controlling proceedings and earning an 8–1 win to give his team an early lead. Haryana responded swiftly in the 76 kg women’s category, where Under-20 world champion Kajal Dhochack edged out European champion Anastasiya Alpyeeva 3–1, bringing the score back to parity.
Momentum swung again when Delhi captain Sujeet Kalkal produced a late surge in the 65 kg men’s bout, defeating World Championships silver medallist Tumur Ochir Tulga 8–6 and regaining the advantage for his team. Yet Haryana battled back, with multiple-time world champion Yui Susaki showcasing elite technique in the women’s 53 kg contest, earning a technical superiority win to level the scores once more.
Every bout shifted the balance, and Delhi took the lead again in the 86 kg men’s category, where Asian Championship bronze medallist Vafaeipour Hadi Bakhtiar powered an 11–0 win. Yet the Haryana Thunders refused to relent, with Akshay Dhere dominating his 57 kg men’s bout by technical superiority, restoring parity.
A Final Decider to Remember
The heavyweight match proved pivotal as Ronak delivered a commanding 12–2 win for Delhi, placing his team a point away from glory. But Haryana’s resolve shone through once again when Neha Sangwan pinned Anjali in the 57 kg women’s bout, tying the scores 4–4 and forcing a winner-takes-all finale.
With everything on the line, Koliadenko seized the moment. Using relentless turn-and-exposure techniques and composure under intense pressure, she dismantled her opponent for a 16–0 technical victory, clinching the championship for Haryana Thunders and sparking jubilation among teammates, coaches and fans alike.
Individual Accolades and Prize Money
With the championship secured, Haryana Thunders took home ₹1.5 crore in prize money along with the PWL 2026 trophy, while the Delhi Dangal Warriors earned ₹75 lakh as runners-up. In individual honours, Turan Bayramov was named Player of the Tournament, going undefeated with seven wins in the 57 kg men’s category and accumulating a total of 59 points. Punjab Royals’ Chandermohan finished as the top point scorer of the season.
Other notable performances in the final saw Neha Sangwan (Haryana Thunders) earn Player of the Match for her clutch showing that helped keep her team in contention, while Ronak (Delhi Dangal Warriors) claimed Fighter of the Match honours for his strong performance in the 125 kg men’s category. Akshay Dhere was recognised as Impact Player of the Match for his powerful contribution in the 57 kg men’s division.
Season Legacy and Looking Ahead
he PWL 2026 season, held from January 15 to February 1 at the Noida Indoor Stadium, featured six teams and a packed schedule of competitive bouts, attracting top Indian and international wrestling talent. Haryana Thunders’ thrilling title run highlighted the depth and excitement of the league, while occasional individual dominance — as seen from Bayramov and Koliadenko — emphasised the high calibre of competition.
As celebrations continue for Haryana Thunders, fans and pundits alike are already looking forward to the next edition of the Pro Wrestling League, anticipating more intense rivalries and championship drama in 2027.
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