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Yui Susaki Confirms PWL Return, League Eyes Greco-Roman Expansion

Pro Wrestling League CEO Akhil Gupta announced that Japanese Olympic champion Yui Susaki has committed to returning for the next season after leading Haryana Thunders to the PWL 2026 title. Gupta expressed immense satisfaction with the league's success, noting a completely sold-out stadium for the final. He highlighted the valuable contributions of Indian coaches and addressed discussions around foreign coaching staff. Furthermore, Gupta revealed the league is in talks to potentially expand by introducing Greco-Roman wrestling, following suggestions from international bodies.

Key Points: PWL CEO on Susaki's Return, League Expansion Plans

  • Yui Susaki confirms PWL return
  • Haryana Thunders win PWL 2026
  • League considers adding Greco-Roman style
  • Stadium packed for final
  • Indian coaches praised
3 min read

'Yui Susaki told me she'll play next year, that's the kind of motivation we need,' says PWL CEO Akhil Gupta

PWL CEO Akhil Gupta reveals Olympic champ Yui Susaki will return next season, discusses league success and potential Greco-Roman wrestling inclusion.

"She told me that she will definitely be coming next year. This is exactly the kind of motivation we need. - Akhil Gupta"

Noida, Feb 2

Pro Wrestling League CEO Akhil Gupta expressed satisfaction following the successful conclusion of the fifth edition of the tournament, revealing that Haryana Thunders' title-winning captain and Japanese wrestling star Yui Susaki has confirmed her participation for the next season.

Susaki, a highly accomplished wrestler, won gold in the women's 50 kg at Tokyo 2020 Olympics without surrendering a single point. During the Paris 2024 Olympics, she experienced her first international defeat against India's Vinesh Phogat but later won a bronze medal through repechage. She is also a four-time World Champion, earning her first title in 2017.

The four-time world champion led Haryana Thunders to victory in PWL 2026, securing the trophy as her team beat Delhi Dangal Warriors in an exciting final at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Sunday.

Confirming Susaki's return for the next season, Gupta underlined the significance of her commitment and the league's growing popularity. "Beyond the coaches, I would like to share one more important point. I recently met Susaki, the league and the world's top wrestler. She told me that she will definitely be coming next year. This is exactly the kind of motivation we need. When we first envisioned this dream, we did not imagine it reaching this level.

"Not a single seat was vacant; the stadium was completely full, and people outside were asking for tickets. This is the kind of love and support we wanted, and we are extremely happy," he said.

Speaking about the role of coaches and addressing discussions around foreign coaching staff, Gupta highlighted the contribution of Indian coaches. "All these matters will be discussed in detail. I believe that Indian coaches are extremely capable and have performed very well.

"When we watch from behind a television screen, we do not fully realise it, but when we observed them on the ground, it became evident that every coach was completely absorbed-cheering passionately and fully involved in the process."

Gupta also revealed that the league is considering expanding beyond freestyle wrestling, with discussions already underway with international and national bodies. "The introduction of Greco-Roman wrestling is under consideration. Representatives from United World Wrestling (UWW), including the Vice President, were also present. They suggested this as well, and we are deliberating on it.

"We will work closely with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), and there will be no style of wrestling in which India's flag does not fly high. It will take time, but it will be accomplished."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Full stadiums are the best sign of success! So happy to see wrestling getting this kind of love from the public. Gupta is right, Indian coaches are world-class and deserve more recognition. Hope the expansion into Greco-Roman happens soon.
R
Rohit P
Respect to Susaki for coming back. She's a true champion, facing defeat against Vinesh Phogat and then bouncing back for bronze. That's the spirit we want our athletes to learn. PWL is doing a great job bringing such icons to India.
S
Sarah B
While the success is commendable, I hope the league ensures fair pay and good conditions for all athletes, not just the foreign stars. The focus should also be on developing grassroots talent across states, not just a few hubs.
K
Karthik V
"No style of wrestling in which India's flag does not fly high" – what a powerful vision statement! This is the ambition we need. From Susaki's return to expanding styles, PWL seems to be on the right track. Jai Hind!
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Meera T
The energy must have been electric! Wish I could have been there. It's great that foreign wrestlers are eager to return. It creates a healthy competitive environment. More power to our wrestlers and the league organizers.

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