The first edition of the Pro Wrestling League gets under way from the national capital on Thursday. Punjab Royals, boasting of stars like Geeta Phogat and Vladimir Khinchegashvili, clash swords with Mumbai Garuda, boasting of stars like Adeline Gray and Amit Dhankar, in the first match of the tournament.
The build-up to the tournament has been enthralling, but a last minute change in schedule and reports of veteran wrestler Sushil Kumar withdrawing from the tournament on Thursday, has come as a mood-dampener.
Double Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, who was drafted to Uttar Pradesh Warriors, has been reportedly angered by the treatment meted out to him by the league organisers. "His decision is final, he is out," PTI quoted a source close to Sushil as saying. Purevjavyn Onorbat from Mongolia, reportedly will be Sushil's replacement, in the PWL franchise.
Nevertheless, the matches will go on with some modifications, and Team Punjab go head-to-head with Team Mumbai today at the K.D. Jadhav Stadium, Delhi. Indian female wrestler Geeta remains the star name tonight. She won won a gold medal in the 55 kg women's free-style wrestling division at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in 2010.
For Mumbai, female wrestler Adeline Gray of the United States remains the costliest player of the team at Rs.37 lakh. The 24-year-old won a gold in the 75 kg women's freestyle category in the World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas this year.
Punjab Royals vs Mumbai Garude is scheduled for a 7 pm IST start.
Where to watch the action
Viewers in India can catch the Hindi feed of the matches on Sony Max and Sony Pal, while the English feed is available on Sony Six / Six HD.
The online streaming is also available on SonyLiv.
