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Everything you need to know about the PWL

The first and largest initiative of its kind, the Pro-Wrestling League kicks off in full swing from December 10th 2015Following in the footsteps of cricket, football and tennis, wrestling is on the cusp of rediscovering its mojo in a big way in India.However in order to justify the integrity of the sport, perhaps it would be more appropriate to state that it was cricket, football and tennis that followed in the footsteps of wrestling, as the sport is richly steeped in Indian tradition and bears every indication of bearing mythological significance as well.Right from the times of the Mahabharat, it has been reflected in our mythological lore that the heroes that be were skilled in the art of wrestling; owing to the passage of time and advent of modern sports it has perhaps taken a back seat in an otherwise cricket and football crazy nation, but wrestling is an art form that has patiently bided its time, waiting in the wings but far from forgotten in rural India.Run as ‘Dangals’ in the sand dunes or ‘Akharas’, wrestling has doggedly awaited its renaissance, hidden away from the media’s intent gaze and glitzy lights, but undoubtedly surviving as one of the oldest forms of combat sports that was embraced not only in our culture, but throughout a myriad of cultures over the world.It’s head reared intermittently into the spotlight in 2008 after Sushil Kumar’s bronze medal in the Olympic Games, but has enjoyed more sustained attention thereafter given his Silver medal in the subsequent Games coupled with Jogeshwar Dutt’s Bronze.Today, however, wrestling is ready to make a lasting impact on the international mainstream sports hub that India is fast turning into with the inaugural Pro-Wrestling League, the world’s most lucrative initiative of its kind all set to take flight.Boasting of 6 city-based franchise teams, the event is set to reimburse the participant wrestlers from all over the globe with well over $3 Million in prize money and appearance fees.Having made a habit of setting up cash-rich leagues to spark off interest and initiative in different sports in India, wrestling looks set to be re-launched in a telling manner in India with the Pro-Wrestling League kicking off this December 10th.With the countdown clock to the event reflecting little more than 4 days left, here is everything you need to know about the PWL.

#1 The Teams

Yesteryear movie star Dharmendra has a stake in the Punjab Royals team, and is seen here with his fellow investors

As 6 city-based franchisee teams take to the mat in the inaugural edition of the PWL, with Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Mumbai and Bengaluru the states being represented, the format of the bidding process has ensured that each team would comprise of a healthy mix between Indian stars and quality International representation. 

Delhi Veer, Bangalore Yodhaha, CDR Punjab Royals, UP Warriors, Haryana Hammers and Mumbaiche Garude have seen their ranks meticulously filled up by their respective owners with not just the biggest names in wrestling, but also the most tactically astute signings that each team feels would give them the edge in the inaugural wrestling extravaganza.

While the auction to determine the teams saw some surprising valuations, the huge money that has gone into making the PWL a reality, ideally serves to further the mainstream appeal and media reach of the event.

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