PWL 2026 wrestlers gear up to represent India at U-17 and U-23 Asian Wrestling C'ships in Da Nang
New Delhi, May 23
The Pro Wrestling League's continued impact on India's wrestling ecosystem will once again be reflected on the continental stage this time, with multiple athletes from PWL 2026 set to represent the country at the U-17 and U-23 Asian Wrestling Championships, scheduled in Da Nang, Vietnam, from May 23 to May 31, 2026.
Among the Indian contingent are four wrestlers who featured prominently in PWL 2026, underlining the league's emergence as a key platform in nurturing, developing and accelerating the growth of India's next generation of wrestling talent, according to a press release from the PWL.
In the U-23 men's freestyle category, reigning U-23 Asian champion Chandermohan of Punjab Royals will compete in the 79kg division, while Haryana Thunders' Sachin Mor, part of the franchise's title-winning campaign in PWL 2026, will represent India in the 86kg category.
The U-23 women's contingent will also feature strong PWL representation through Haryana Thunders wrestlers Neha (59kg) and Kajal (76kg), both of whom were integral members of the franchise's triumphant PWL 2026 campaign.
Neha heads into the championships with a significant international pedigree, having previously secured a bronze medal at the U20 World Championships while also winning gold at the U17 Asian Championships.
Kajal, meanwhile, has rapidly established herself as one of India's brightest wrestling prospects, arriving in Da Nang as a reigning U20 World Champion, U17 World Champion and U20 Asian Champion.
The presence of these wrestlers in India's squad further reinforces the high-impact role PWL continues to play in strengthening the country's wrestling structure beyond the confines of a franchise league competition.
One of the defining aspects of PWL has been its ability to provide young and emerging Indian wrestlers with the opportunity to share the mat, training environments and dressing rooms with some of the biggest stars in world wrestling. That exposure to elite international standards, high-pressure match situations and professional sporting structures has proven invaluable in building experience, confidence and tactical maturity among India's rising wrestlers.
Since its return, PWL has consistently positioned itself as an athlete-first ecosystem focused on bridging grassroots Indian wrestling with the global stage. Through sustained competitive exposure and interaction with world-class talent, the league has aimed to create pathways for young Indian wrestlers to prepare themselves for success at the Asian, World and Olympic levels.
PWL CEO and promoter Akhil Gupta has previously reiterated the league's long-term vision of contributing meaningfully to the growth of Indian wrestling by building a sustainable professional ecosystem capable of supporting and elevating emerging talent.
The selection of multiple PWL wrestlers for the U-17 & U-23 Asian Wrestling Championships once again highlights the league's increasing contribution towards identifying, nurturing and showcasing India's future wrestling stars on the international stage.
The championships in Da Nang will feature some of Asia's top emerging wrestlers, with India aiming for a strong showing across categories over the coming days.
— ANI
Reader Comments
So proud of Neha and Kajal! Women's wrestling in India is on fire. From Sakshi Malik's bronze to these young girls winning world championships - our sport is growing. Hope they bring gold from Da Nang! 💪
Interesting to see the PWL model working. As someone who follows wrestling globally, India's grassroots development through franchise leagues is smart. The U-23 level is crucial for Olympic pipeline. Good luck to all athletes!
PWL is doing good work but we need to ensure wrestlers from smaller towns also get these opportunities. Not just those from top franchises. The talent pool in villages is massive - hope the league scouts there too. Still, congratulations to all selected! 👍
Finally some good news for Indian sports! After all the federation issues last year, it's refreshing to see young wrestlers getting international exposure through PWL. Akhil Gupta's vision is paying off. Wishing the entire contingent success in Vietnam! 🏅
The article rightly highlights that these wrestlers train alongside world champions in PWL. That's invaluable. But I hope the government also supports wrestling academies in states like Haryana and Punjab which produce most of our wrestlers. Private leagues can't do everything alone.
The U-17 and U-23 system in India seems well structured. Four PWL wrestlers out of the contingent shows the league's impact. Asian Championships in Da Nang will be tough - Kazakhstan and Iran are strong. Let's see how our young guns perform!
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