Mumbai Garuda emerge inaugural Pro wrestling league champions

Despite all odds, the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) turned out to be a morale booster for the Indian wrestlers as fans flocked in large numbers to witness the star grapplers in action. The organisers must be on the top of the world as the last day of the event saw a full house at the KD Jadhav indoor stadium.
But mismanagement, chaos, and a brawl involving Olympic bronze medallist Yogeshwar Dutt marred the final day.



Yogeshwar and his fellow teammate Vishal Rana, who replaced the injured Olympian in the 65kg category in Harayan team, nearly came to blows on the sidelines.

Rana, who was thrashed 0-12 in the opening bout by Amit Dhankar of Mumbai Garuda, was going out of the mat when Dejected with Rana's showing, Yogeshwar came from behind and slapped him. This angered Rana and he pushed the London Olympic bronze-medallist. The team managers then took sides and got into arguments before police intervened.
"Some people got injured and they were rushed to nearby hospital. We are investigating the matter,'' a police officer told Mail Today.
A host of celebrities, ranging from Union Minister Prakash Javadekar, star cricketers Virender Shewag, Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, boxer Vijender watched Mumbai Garuda beat Haryana Hammers to win the inaugural edition.
India's double Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, who courted controversy for skipping the league at the last minute, along with his coach Satpal Singh also made their presence felt. It was an electric atmosphere.
"I want to congratulate the organisers and the Indian Wrestling Federation for coming forward and conducting such a league. I have seen several international wrestling championships, but the way this league has been organized is amazing and laudable.
Fans have turned in great numbers to witness the bouts.
Also, this league has provided big platform to all wrestlers. This initiative will go a long way in making wrestling the most favourite sport in India," said Sushil.
On the mat, Mumbai Garuda grapplers put up a stunning display of dominance as they thrashed Haryana Hammers 7-2.
The title contest was a one sided affair and clearly demonstrated that Mumbai's earlier victories were no flukes. Led by three-time World Champion Adeline Gray(USA), Garuda raced to title triumph. Once Georigian grappler Odikadze Elizbar rattled Andriitesey Valerii 6-4 in the men's 97 kg weight category, Mumbai gained 5-2 lead. Odikadze Elizbar used his experience to launch swift attacks giving Mumbai the important lead. Before that, six onesided contests took place. Mumbai opened proceedings with a lopsided win as Asian Wrestling Championship gold medallist, Amit Dhankar thrashed Rana 12-0 (65 Kg).
Haryana Hammers made a comeback when Oksana Herhel beat Sakshi Malik and levelled scores 1-1. Haryana's Livan Lopez overpowered Pradeep Kumar 11-6 before Gray outclassed Geetika Jakhar 10-0 to turn the tables.