Noida, Jan 26 (NationPress) The Delhi Dangal Warriors have managed to secure a slim 3–2 lead over the Punjab Royals at the midpoint of Match 15, which is the concluding league match of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026. This thrilling encounter is taking place on Day 13 at the Noida Indoor Stadium in Noida on Thursday.

Although the Punjab Royals are already guaranteed a spot in the semifinals with six points, the pressure is squarely on Delhi, who must clinch a victory to secure their qualification without depending on bout differentials or other technicalities.

The match commenced with the Punjab Royals taking the lead in the 76kg women’s category, thanks to Priya Malik. She executed a disciplined and tactically astute strategy against Anastasiya Alpyeeva. By capitalizing on passivity in the first period and adding a vital push-out in Period 2, Priya achieved a narrow 2–0 victory, giving her team an early edge.

Delhi responded strongly in the 86kg men’s contest as Vafaeipour Hadi Bakhtiar showcased one of the most commanding performances of the evening. The Iranian wrestler dominated Sandeep Maan during the decisive power minute, unleashing a series of takedowns, turns, and push-outs to claim a resounding 20–7 win, thereby leveling the match.

Delhi continued their momentum in the 65kg men’s category, where team captain Sujeet Kalkal displayed his crucial role with a composed and authoritative performance against Anuj Kumar. The U23 World Champion neutralized early resistance and steadily built his lead through precise takedowns and turns, ultimately sealing a convincing 10–1 victory to put Delhi ahead.

Further extending their lead, Delhi's Shubham Kaushik delivered a clinical performance in the 57kg men’s category, achieving a commanding 9–0 win against Chirag Chhikara by exploiting passivity and executing a high-value four-point throw.

However, the Punjab Royals kept their chances alive through Rajnita Jangra in the 57kg women’s bout. After conceding an early point for passivity, Rajnita showcased immediate aggression, scoring a clean takedown in Period 1 and maintaining superior control in the second period to secure a 5–1 victory.

Currently, the 62kg women’s bout between Ana Godinez (Punjab Royals) and Anjli (Delhi Dangal Warriors) is ongoing.

On Friday, the top team, Haryana Thunders, will compete against either the Delhi Dangal Warriors or the UP Dominators in the first semifinal on Day 14 of the PWL 2026.

Result:

Team Score after five bouts: Punjab Royals 2 – 3 Delhi Dangal Warriors