New Delhi, Jan 9 (NationPress) The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) has officially announced the formation of prestigious coaching teams for all six franchises as it gears up for its much-anticipated return in 2026. This season promises to showcase an exceptional roster of Olympians, architects of national teams, and internationally accredited coaches.

Authorized by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), PWL 2026 is scheduled to unfold from January 15 to February 2, marking a significant resurgence after a seven-year hiatus. The competition will feature nine matches per tie across five men’s and four women’s weight classes, with a strong focus on structured preparation, competitive fairness, and athlete growth.

This latest announcement on coaching selections follows record-setting player auctions, reinforcing the league’s commitment to pairing elite wrestling talent with equally remarkable coaching expertise.

The Delhi Dangal Warriors will be directed by Jagminder Singh as the chief coach. A two-time Olympian and recipient of the Arjuna Award, Jagminder is recognized as a pivotal figure in Indian wrestling, having coached numerous top athletes, including guiding Sushil Kumar to India’s inaugural men’s freestyle World Championship gold in 2010. He will be supported by Vikram Sharma, a distinguished international Greco-Roman coach and former World Police Games champion, who has played a crucial role in advancing India’s status on the international wrestling landscape.

Maharashtra Kesari has appointed Anil Kumar Mann as their chief coach. A former Commonwealth Games medallist, Mann has successfully transitioned from elite competitor to coach, previously mentoring Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist Ravi Dahiya. He will be aided by Bharti Baghel, a UWW-certified women’s coach and former international wrestler with experience in junior world and Asian championships, highlighting the franchise’s aim to merge experience with contemporary coaching techniques.

Haryana Thunders have selected Virender Dahiya, the national coach for women’s wrestling in India, as their chief coach. Dahiya has been instrumental in India’s success in women’s wrestling, boasting decades of experience in Olympic, World, Asian, and Commonwealth events. Assisting him is S.B. Prasad, an Indian Air Force officer and veteran international coach with extensive experience in both Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling at U-23 and senior levels.

Punjab Royals will operate under the guidance of Hargobind Singh Sandhu as chief coach. An Olympian and India’s chief national coach for Greco-Roman wrestling at the Sports Authority of India, Sandhu has led athletes to victory at Commonwealth, Asian, and World competitions. He will be assisted by Sonu Khatri, a UWW Level 1 and 2 certified coach from the Railways, known for his contributions across age-group and senior international tournaments.

The Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals have appointed Chandra Vijay Singh as chief coach. A revered national coach and former Olympian, Singh has represented India at the Olympics, Asian Games, and World Championships, successfully guiding athletes to U-23 world gold. Assisting him is Devki Rajput, a leading women’s wrestling coach in India, celebrated for her leadership at the 2025 U20 World Championships and her focus on discipline and athlete development.

UP Dominators will be led by Vinod Kumar as chief coach. A Seoul 1988 Olympian and recipient of the Dronacharya Award, Kumar brings a wealth of experience from numerous Olympic cycles and major competitions like the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. He will be supported by Pardeep Kharia, one of India’s youngest international Greco-Roman coaches, UWW Level 1 and 2 certified, with a background in U-17, U-23, and senior Asian events.

With the coaching teams now established, PWL 2026 is entering its final preparation phase with clarity and structure across all franchises. These appointments form a crucial component of the league’s revamped framework, connecting elite coaching, global athlete participation, and professional governance as the Pro Wrestling League aims to reaffirm its position as a leading platform for wrestling in India.