In what could be a big leap for amateur wrestling in the country, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), in association with promoter Pro-Sportify, launched a promising initiative, the Pro Wrestling League, here on Monday.
According to the promoters, the PWL, scheduled to be held from November 8 to 29 in six cities across the country, will be the ‘richest’ league in the sport, offering a total of $3 million (Rs. 19.2 crore) as prize money and auction price.
“The auction pool will be Rs. 16 crore. But now it is difficult to say who will be sold for what amount,” said Ashish Chadha, Pro-Sportify.
Chadha claimed that at least 20 Olympic medallists and eight World championship medal winners had expressed their willingness to join the PWL. Altogether 66 wrestlers from around the world will “vie for the top honour and the prize purse of Rs. 3 crore.”
The base price to bid for a franchise is Rs. 3 crore. Two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar said it might be a little awkward for him to be part of the auction.
“It will feel strange (to be auctioned). But one has to change as per the requirements and I will try to change myself. However, our ultimate aim will continue to excel in the Olympics.”
Sushil tried to paint a rosy picture of the PWL. “It is important to have a league in India. It will give good exposure to the wrestlers ahead of the Olympics. Our younger wrestlers will be benefited by this.”
Wrestlers Sushil, Geeta Phogat, Babita Kumari, Bajrang, Geetika Jakhar, Shilpi, Divya and Anuj Kumar walked the ramp on the launch of the PWL theme song and the logo, designed by hearing impaired girls from the Delhi College of Art. Another Olympic medallist, Yogeshwar Dutt, was not available.
Moment of delightIt was a moment of delight for former WFI Secretary Raj Singh, during whose tenure the league was first conceptualised four years ago.
“All the leading countries hold at least one invitational event every year. Now, this league will lift the profile of India and provide the lesser-known wrestlers a good platform to showcase their talent,” he said.
The PWL promoters hope to announce franchise teams on September 7, finalise the broadcaster by August 30, title sponsor by the first week of September and complete wrestlers’ auction on September 15.
