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Punjab Royals Coach Vows Victory After PWL 2026 Semi-Final Defeat

Punjab Royals head coach Bhupesh Kumar has expressed confidence in winning the Pro Wrestling League next year despite a semi-final defeat. The team lost 5-4 to Haryana Thunders in a gripping contest at the Noida Indoor Stadium. Haryana Thunders wrestler Neha Sangwan expressed happiness about reaching the final, crediting the team's preparation and club support. Key performances from Parvinder, Priya Malik, and Iryna Koliadenko were pivotal in Haryana's victory.

Key Points: Punjab Royals Coach Optimistic for Next Pro Wrestling League

  • Punjab Royals lost PWL 2026 semi-final 5-4
  • Coach Bhupesh Kumar targets 2027 victory
  • Haryana Thunders advance to final
  • Neha Sangwan happy with team's performance
  • Punjab Royals are two-time former champions
2 min read

"We will win next year": Punjab Royals head coach Bhupesh Kumar

Punjab Royals head coach Bhupesh Kumar targets PWL 2027 title after semi-final loss to Haryana Thunders. Get match highlights and reactions.

"We will win next year. We have won before, too. - Bhupesh Kumar"

Noida, February 1

Punjab Royals head coach Bhupesh Kumar has remained optimistic about winning the Pro Wrestling League next year. The head coach added that the team has reached the finals three times in the wrestling event.

Speaking to ANI, Punjab Royals head coach Bhupesh Kumar said, "We will win next year. We have won before, too. We have won twice continuously. We were runners-up in the finals. We have reached the finals three times. We are in the last four."

Punjab Royals suffered defeat in the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) season 2026 semi-final against Haryana Thunders at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Friday.

Punjab Royals lost to Haryana Thunders in the first semi-final of PWL 2026, 5-4, booking their place in the final. Notably, the Punjab Royals won the PWL 2017 and 2018 seasons and reached the 2019 finals.

Haryana Thunders wrestler Neha Sangwan expressed happiness after her team reached the Pro Wrestling League final, saying the team's focus is now on winning the trophy. She added that the club is helping them a lot.

Speaking to ANI, Neha Sangwan said, "I am feeling very good. We have reached the finals. Now we just have to win the trophy. The coach had already prepared us for the match. We had prepared our strategy for the match. We have to play according to the coach's strategy. We are getting a lot of help. The club is helping us financially."

Coming to the semi-final clash between Haryana Thunders and Punjab Royals, Haryana entered the contest as table-toppers with four wins and eight points and absorbed early pressure before turning the tie decisively in the second half, underlining why they have been the most consistent side of the season.

Punjab Royals, who finished fourth in the league stage, pushed Haryana all the way in a gripping nine-bout contest that saw the latter win by 5-4, as per a PWL press release. Key contributions came from Parvinder, who earned Impact Player of the Match, and Priya Malik, who received Fighter of the Match for her dominant victory in the women's 76kg bout. Iryna Koliadenko was named Player of the Match after her decisive fall in the 62kg women's contest that proved to be the turning point as Haryana booked their place in the final.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It was a close match, lost 5-4. Haryana Thunders were just a bit better on the day. But proud of our Punjab team for fighting till the end. Coach Bhupesh ji is right, the team has the potential. Next year in sha Allah!
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, saying "we will win next year" feels a bit hollow after a semi-final exit. The focus should be on analyzing what went wrong this season. Haryana's consistency shows they have a better system. Punjab needs to rebuild, not just rely on past glory.
N
Neha E
So happy for Neha Sangwan and Haryana Thunders! 🎉 They've been the best team this season. Good point about the club's financial support – that's so crucial for athletes in India. Wishing both teams well, but my heart is with the Thunders for the final!
V
Vikram M
The women wrestlers were the highlight! Priya Malik and Iryna Koliadenko were fantastic. This is why we need more leagues like PWL – it gives our wrestlers a great platform. More power to all the athletes!
S
Sarah B
Interesting to follow the Pro Wrestling League from abroad. The coach's optimism is good for team morale, but the gap between saying and doing is big. Haryana seems to have a clearer winning strategy. Best of luck to both states – great for Indian sport.

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