The 5 eye-catchers in India's inaugural Pro-Wrestling League
The biggest names in Indian wrestling will be part of the eventThe last few years have seen a change in the mould of sports in India from being monochromatically focused on staples like cricket and football, the landscape is changing swiftly. From the IPL and the I-league to the nascent-but-healthy Pro Kabaddi League and Hockey India League, change is in the air.In the midst of these better-recognized sports leagues comes something a little left of centre, a major combat sports extravaganza dedicated to one of India’s oldest indigenous sports. The Pro Wrestling League has many firsts in the first Freestyle wrestling league in India, multiple Olympians on the same stage and the first combat sports league with city-based teams. And these are just a few of them.The event is a big nod to Malla Buddha or Khusti, as its called by its Indian exponents and will go a long way in not just promoting the sport alone, but the whole paradigm of sport in India. Apart from granting the athletes who have been toiling in privation some much needed financial augmentation, the progression of the sport itself might augur well for India from an Olympic perspective.With the first just hours away, let’s take a look at some of the things that will grab your attention by the scruff of the neck and keep you fixated to the action
#1 The strongest teams
Strong’s an understatement in this event, considering the calibre of these athletes, and more suited to describing the teams. All six teams have an “Icon player”, who is the flag-bearer of the squad and will be augmented by his or her teammates.
The biggest names in Indian and international freestyle wrestling are part of this event. Some will stand face-to-face, some shoulder-to-shoulder. That being said, the nature of competition warrants crests and troughs representing dominance.
This one is no different, with some teams looking more imposing than others, even on paper. With the likes of world champions like Elif Jale Yesilirmak, Geno Petriashvili, Sofia Matsson and Vinesh Phogat, one wouldn’t be remiss in considering Veer Delhi the frontrunners for the tournament.
The Haryana Hammers and the CDR Punjab Royals look very impressive as well, with the former boasting of Yogeshwar Dutt, Oksana Herhel and Amit Dahiya. The Punjab team is on an even keel with Haryana, with Vasilisa Marzaliuk, Geeta Phogat and Vladimir Khinchegashvili amongst its ranks.