Wrestling Federation of India and Pro-Sportify yesterday launched the historic Pro Wrestling League in Delhi. Top stars of Indian wrestling, including double Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar & CWG gold medallist GeetaPhogat dazzled at the launch of the richest prize money wrestling competition.
Pro Wrestling League which is slated amidst Diwali festivities between November 8 and 29, 2015, will witness a congregation of over 20 Olympic medallist from across the globe, one of the very first in Indian sporting canvass. It has the richest prize & auction purse that aggregates to 3 million USD.
World’s top 66 wrestlers, six city-based franchisees covering North to South and East to West of India will vie for the top honour and the Prize Purse of Rupees 3 crore. A purse of Rupees two crore in individual prize money is the added attraction for each participant.
This effort is purely a reflection of recent & consistent podium finishes by Indian wrestlers. Wrestling Federation of India and ProSporty have joined hands to create a rare event in wrestling. It is for the first time a world-class event in the “real” wrestling is being conducted on league format.
ProSportify, a company launched by Mr Kartikey Sharma will invest in the League. Mr Ashish Chadha is the co-promoter. With Wrestling Federation of India’s wholehearted support, under the able guidance of its President, Mr BrijbhusanSharan Singh, MP, the League will set a benchmark in global viewership for its conduct and magnitude.
“Pro Wrestling League is a step in right direction. Of late, Indian wrestlers have been doing extremely well. And with financial boost from the League, I am sure our wrestlers will reach greater heights,’’ said the WFI President, Mr BrijbhushanSharan Singh.
Mr Karitkey Sharma said he was “confident that ProSportify will usher a new era for the Business of Sports in India. “Our philosophy as a company reflects in our name –ProSportify. Our approach to uplift and transform the sports will be thoroughly professional, but there will be no compromises with the basics and essence of the sports and Pro Wrestling League, in spite of all commercial exploits, shall remain ‘THE REAL DEAL’ for the sportsmen.’’
“The Pro Wrestling League will create opportunities for Indian industry to be a part of this historic initiative to own a top-notch international sports franchise. As commercial partners of PWL, we are thankful to WFI and the players for reposing their faith in us to make the League a spectacular success,’’ said Mr Ashish Chadha.
Mood among the players is also upbeat with the launch of Pro Wrestling League. Double Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar is confident that the League would be a big boost to Indian wrestling.
“It will be a great boost when the cream of world wrestling comes to India. This will be a great opportunity for our players to travel with them and learn a lot. Besides the League will keep the focus on the sport and motivate the upcoming wrestlers,’’ said the legend.
Coming as it does a few months before the Rio Olympic Games, PWL has a special significance. It will offer a never before opportunity to the wrestlers for preparing in a real match situation as they eye a berth for Rio Games.
The star parade of top international wrestlers will take part in six-team format in different cities of India. It will give budding wrestlers a chance to be with and combat against the legends.
“The initiative is commercial. But, Olympic, United World Wrestling and Wrestling Federation of India rules and norms will not be compromised,” says the PWL Governing Council Chairman, Mr GS Mander.
The league format is unique. Six city-based teams battle it out against all others once during the league phase. Each team will consist of 11 player – six male and five female; six Indians and five foreign internationals. The PWL will be played on the best of nine format, but all the nine bouts will be contested during the league phase. Each bout will have three rounds of three minutes each, separated by a one-minute break.
To make the contest more interesting players will get half-a-point bonus for FALL; and also half a point bonus for greater superiority, which is established on 15-point lead, said Mr Mander.
It will be the first time in Asia, that a sports event will be produced in 4K format. The competition will be televised live to over 150 countries across the world. Coverage will be innovative and state of the art technology-driven
The grandeur of the launch is a perfect prelude for things to come. Wrestlers walked the ramp as Greek Warriors. The PWL song by well-known bhangra-reggae singer Apache Indian depicts the pace, energy and high-voltage – elements which are essence of world’s oldest combat sport.
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