Pro Wrestling League 2026: Top five overseas wrestlers to watch out for
Haryana Thunders have two world-class wrestlers in Yui Susaki and Iryna Koliadenko—both Olympic medalists and world champions.
The Pro Wrestling League 2026 will take place from January 15 to February 1. All 15 league-stage matches, followed by the semi-finals and the finals will be played at the Noida Indoor Stadium in Noida.
The tournament will witness the participation of six teams—Delhi Dangal Warriors, Haryana Thunders, Tiigers of Mumbai Dangal, Maharashtra Kesari, Punjab Royals, and UP Dominators.
Each fixture will have nine bouts across all weight categories, pitting Olympic medalists against the world champions and emerging talents.
Let’s take a look at the five overseas wrestlers who are expected to be the key attractions at PWL 2026.
Foreign wrestlers to watch at Pro Wrestling League 2026
#5 Ana Godinez – Punjab Royals
The Canadian wrestler was bought by the Punjab Royals for INR 46 lakh in the recently concluded PWL auction. She will contest in the women’s 62kg category, in which she claimed a silver medal in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Ana is a four-time medalist at the Pan American Championships, while winning gold in the 2025 edition held in Monterrey. She also won the bronze medal at the 2025 Budapest Ranking Series.
#4 Islam Dudaev – Punjab Royals
The Royals also secured the services of men’s 65kg wrestler, Islam Dudaev for INR 18 lakh. After winning multiple titles in his home country, Russia, he clinched a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics for Albania.
In January 2026, Dudaev won the silver medal at the Yaşar Doğu Tournament and will head into the PWL 2026 with confidence.
Also Read: Olympic medalist Aman Sehrawat leads Tiigers of Mumbai Dangal’s entry into Pro Wrestling League
#3 Robert Baran – Maharashtra Kesari
One of the most experienced players in the tournament, Robert Baran holds the credentials to win the title for Maharashtra Kesari, who shelled out INR 55 lakh to add him into the roster.
Men’s 125kg wrestler, Baran has won around 20 medals at the Ranking series events since 2009, winning gold in two of them in 2025. He clinched a bronze medal at the 2025 World Championships, held in Zagreb. The 33-year-old was also part of Poland’s contingent in the 2016 and the 2024 Olympics.
#2 Iryna Koliadenko – Haryana Thunders
The Ukrainian wrestler, Iryna Koliadenko will compete in the women’s 62kg category for the Haryana Thunders, who purchased her for INR 44 lakh. She rose to prominence after a bronze medal finish in the 2020 Olympics and then followed it up with a silver medal in the Paris Olympics.
Iryna has won a total of seven medals in the European Championships and the World Championships, while securing a bronze in the 2025 edition.
#1 Yui Susaki – Haryana Thunders
Japanese wrestler, Yui Sasaki emerged as the most expensive acquisition in PWL history, as the Thunders had to spend INR 60 lakh for filling their women’s 53kg quota. The four-time world champion has been a legendary name in the sport and is expected to fill the stands.
Susaki won the gold medal at the 2020 Olympics, without even conceding a single point to the opposition. She then claimed a bronze during the 2024 edition of the Games.
When will Pro Wrestling League 2026 be held?
The 2026 Pro Wrestling League will run from January 15 to February 1.
Where will Pro Wrestling League 2026 take place?
All league-stage matches, semi-finals and the final will be held at the Noida Indoor Stadium in Noida, India.
How many teams are competing in Pro Wrestling League 2026?
Six teams will participate: Delhi Dangal Warriors, Haryana Thunders, Tiigers of Mumbai Dangal, Maharashtra Kesari, Punjab Royals, UP Dominators
Which team has the strongest overseas contingent?
Haryana Thunders features two world-class wrestlers – Yui Susaki and Iryna Koliadenko, both Olympic medalists and world champions.
Who are the top overseas stars to watch out for at Pro Wrestling League 2026?
Top overseas attractions include: Yui Susaki (Japan) – Haryana Thunders, Iryna Koliadenko (Ukraine) – Haryana Thunders, Robert Baran (Poland) – Maharashtra Kesari, Islam Dudaev (Albania) – Punjab Royals, Ana Godinez (Canada) – Punjab Royals
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Farzan is a journalist at Khel Now covering Indian Olympic sports and kabaddi. With five years of experience working with major sports organizations like Chennaiyin FC, Dabang Delhi K.C., Rajasthan Royals, and Yuva Kabaddi Series, he brings diverse expertise. Farzan has covered two Olympics, one Commonwealth Games, and one Asian Games, making his knowledge of Indian sports broad and versatile.