Noida, Feb 1 (NationPress) The Delhi Dangal Warriors clinched their spot in the exhilarating final of the Pro Wrestling League 2026 by narrowly defeating Maharashtra Kesari in a thrilling semi-final on Saturday night at the Noida Indoor Stadium.

In a match that saw dramatic shifts from one bout to the next, Delhi exhibited remarkable poise under pressure, securing a 5–4 victory that sets the stage for an enticing title showdown against the Haryana Thunders.

Shubham Kaushik was honored as player of the match for his incredible comeback in the 57kg men’s category, which proved pivotal for Delhi at a critical juncture. In contrast, Manisha Bhanvala earned fighter of the match accolades for her commanding performance that bolstered Maharashtra’s efforts in the same weight class.

Delhi took the initiative in the 62kg women’s matchup with Anjli, who delivered a composed and tactically sound performance against Dudova Bilyana Zhivkova. By seamlessly combining takedowns, push-outs, and a decisive four-point move during the Power Minute, Anjli recorded a convincing 12–4 victory, giving Delhi an early advantage. Maharashtra responded immediately as Manisha Bhanvala overwhelmed Karla Godinez Gonzalez in the 57kg women’s bout, claiming a 15–0 technical superiority win to equalize the match.

The momentum shifted in favor of Maharashtra during the heavyweight bout as captain Robert Baran continued his unbeaten streak. After conceding an early activity point, Baran dominated the second period, executing takedowns and exposures, especially during the Power Minute, to secure an 11–1 victory over Ronak, putting Maharashtra ahead. The advantage was further extended in the 53kg women’s contest as Nishu Bhanvala narrowly defeated Saarika in a tense match, winning 7–6 and elevating Maharashtra’s lead to 3–1.

Under pressure to avoid defeat, Delhi found hope through Shubham Kaushik in the 57kg men’s category. Despite battling a sore knee, Kaushik delivered one of the tournament’s standout moments, overcoming a significant deficit during the Power Minute with a stunning four-point exposure followed by a four-point takedown, clinching an 11–10 victory and keeping Delhi in the contest.

The tie was equalized in the 76kg women’s bout when European champion Anastasiya Alpyeeva demonstrated her experience against Harshita Mor. After an early setback, Alpyeeva regrouped with precise takedowns and push-outs, maintaining dominance in the second period to secure a 7–5 win, leveling the semi-final at 3–3.

Delhi then surged ahead for the first time since the match’s opening as Vafaeipour Hadi Bakhtiar narrowly defeated Amit 11–9 in a fiercely contested 86kg bout, making a decisive impact with back-to-back takedowns in the Power Minute.

The pivotal moment arose in the 74kg men’s clash between Turan Bayramov and Yash. Bayramov surged ahead with a 5–0 lead in the first period, but Yash fought back to tie the match at 5–5. Ultimately, Bayramov was declared the winner based on a higher technique criterion, securing Delhi's fifth victory and confirming their place in the final.

The concluding bout was decided by forfeit, with Tevanyan Vazgen awarded the win, but the outcome had already been determined as the Delhi Dangal Warriors wrapped up the semi-final 5–4.

The Delhi Dangal Warriors are set to clash with the Haryana Thunders in the PWL 2026 final this Sunday.