Should Wrestling Receive the Necessary Budget as Advocated by WFI Chief Sanjay Singh?
Synopsis
As the Pro Wrestling League final approaches, WFI President Sanjay Singh shares insights on the sport's growth and government support. Discover how wrestling is set to secure its place as a top contender on the global stage, with significant backing and a surge in talent development.
Key Takeaways
Strong government support for wrestling in India.
Pro Wrestling League's successful revival enhances the sport's visibility.
Younger wrestlers are emerging as key talents for the future.
Female wrestlers are proving their strength against international competition.
Wrestling is positioned as a medal-assured discipline for India.
Noida, Feb 1 (NationPress) As the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 finals approach, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh conveyed his optimism regarding the sport's expansion in India, emphasizing the solid support from the government and the league's successful return after an extended break.
Singh noted that the financial backing for wrestling has been substantial, with the sport consistently enjoying the confidence of the nation’s top officials. He pointed out that wrestling has been regarded as a discipline with strong potential for medals on the global platform, referencing the Union Budget and various government initiatives.
“The budget allocated to wrestling has always been more than adequate for our needs. The Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Sports Minister have all emphasized that wrestling is a sport where India can secure medals. PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that wrestling should receive the required budget, and it should not be assumed that the sport is struggling due to insufficient funds,” Singh informed IANS.
The WFI President also reflected on the resurgence of the Pro Wrestling League, which last took place in 2019 before being paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Singh mentioned that the reception to the league's revival has been beyond expectations.
“The Pro Wrestling League commenced in 2015 and continued successfully until 2019, but had to be halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It has made a comeback this year, and the response has exceeded our expectations. Viewership has surpassed our predictions, fan enthusiasm is even greater, and there is a strong eagerness to see the league develop further,” he stated.
Highlighting the league's significance in nurturing talent, Singh remarked that the PWL has become a vital platform for aspiring young wrestlers aiming to enter the international arena.
“Looking at the emerging talent, many of them are our junior wrestlers. Numerous young athletes will rise from this league, and among them, we are likely to discover future international medalists,” he added.
Singh also praised the performance of female wrestlers in the tournament, commending their competitiveness against international contenders. “Our girls have demonstrated that they are not any less capable than the boys—if anything, they are surpassing them. The manner in which our women wrestlers are fiercely competing against foreign athletes is truly admirable,” he remarked.
Point of View
The Wrestling Federation of India's efforts and the government's financial backing signify a promising future for wrestling in India. The revival of the Pro Wrestling League is a crucial step toward enhancing the sport's profile and nurturing young talent. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity and competition, it is clear that wrestling remains a key focus area for national pride and international success.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pro Wrestling League?
The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) is a professional wrestling league in India that serves as a platform for wrestlers to showcase their talent and compete at high levels.
Why is government support important for wrestling?
Government support is crucial for wrestling as it ensures adequate funding, resources, and infrastructure for athletes, facilitating their preparation for international competitions.
What role do young wrestlers play in the PWL?
Young wrestlers are central to the PWL as it provides them with exposure and experience, crucial for their development and success on the international stage.
How has the performance of women wrestlers been in recent tournaments?
Women wrestlers have shown exceptional performance, competing fiercely against international opponents and proving their capabilities in the sport.
What is the future of wrestling in India?
With strong government backing and a growing talent pool, the future of wrestling in India looks promising, with expectations of continued success on the global stage.
