A better and bigger Pro Wrestling League 2 is going to take the country by storm on 15 December. The second edition of the PWL will feature a galaxy of the country and the world’s leading grapplers fighting it out for glory in the month long extravaganza. The added attraction of the PWL this time is that there are going to be more wreslters in the fray and in an attempt to spruce up proceedings, the higher category of 125 kg has been scrapped.
Sakshi Malik, the country’s wrestling icon promised to make the event a memorable one. “I will give my best during the PWL 2. I know the field is quite tough and it’s the best wrestling league in the world. I am looking forward to it,” she said.
Sakshi also walked the ramp during the unveiling of the high profile tournament in the capital on Thursday. The Rio Olympic bronze medallist was a picture of of grace.
Sakshi also complemeneted the PWL for giving young wrestlers the opportunity to compete with the best. “The league gives an opportunity to young and talented Indians to face the world’s top wrestlers and improve their game. I am certainly looking forward to the tournament as I get to learn a lot,” said Sakshi, who walked the Ramp attired in Rohit Bal’s creation.
Besides Sakshi, three other Olympic medallists Yogeshwar Dutt, Sofia Mattson of Sweden and Mariya Stadnik of Azerbaijan along with CWG medallist Yana Rattigan, Geeta Phogat, Babita Kumari walked the ramp for designers like Rohit Bal, J.J. Vallaya, Ashish Soni and Rohit Gandhi.
However, London Olympics bronze medallist Yogeshwar said it seemed unlikely that he would be participating in the upcoming league, since his wedding is scheduled in January which would be clashing with the blue riband event.
But then he said he had not taken a final decision. “I want to play in the League. I am trying to work out if I can play some part of it. My wedding is scheduled around mid January and that’s clashing with the tournament,” said Yogeshwar.
With Sakshi having bagged an Olympic medal, Yogeshwar feels that the League would help the women wrestlers come to the fore as talented young girls are wanting to do well in the sport. “It is going to be a very good exposure for the junior women wrestlers who are keen to do well, especially after Sakshi’s achievement at the Rio Games,” said Yogeshwar.
When asked if Pakistani wrestlers should be allowed to take part in the League, Yogeshwar said, “They should not be a part of the league till the situation between the two countries improves.”
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh insisted that PWL 2 will see more top wrestlers of the world in action. “During last year’s inaugural edition also, we had invited top wrestlers from around the world but since it was the first edition and also in the run-up to Olympic year, many opted out. But after last year’s success, more grapplers are keen to take part and we have extended invitation to almost all wrestling playing countries,” said Singh.
“We have also invited the wrestlers from Iran, who are considered one of the strongest. Even if our wrestlers lose to them, it would be a very good exposure for them and we will like the Iranians to be a part of the tournament,” he added.
Asked about double-Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar’s absence from the League, Singh said: “There is no ban on any wrestler to take part in the PWL. Whoever is willing to play will play and WFI is not going to stop anyone if he/she is keen to compete.”
On her part,Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sofia Mattson said that she was very excited to participate in the League as she could not be a part of it last year due to the Olympic schedule. “I could not be a part of the League last year as we were supposed to follow the schedule strictly in the run-up to the Olympics but I have heard so much about it. “I have heard that spectators come out in large numbers and it is an electrifying atmosphere. I am looking forward to all the action and fun. Hopefully I will be picked up by some franchise and come back to India,” said Sofia.
Another Indian Olympian wrestler Babita Kumari said playing in the League was a different ball game. “There is a different kind of a pressure in a team game as because of you, your team can win or lose if that is the deciding bout. So, there is different kind of a responsibility but I enjoy it. I am looking forward to put my best foot forward” said Babita.