PWL 2026: Haryana Thunders storm into final after 5–4 semi-final win over Punjab Royals

Haryana Thunders continued their dominant run in the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026, defeating Punjab Royals 5–4 in a gripping first semi-final at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Friday to book a spot in the final.

The league-stage table-toppers (four wins, eight points) absorbed early pressure before flipping the tie in the second half, once again showing why they have been the most consistent team this season. Punjab Royals, who scraped into the knockouts in fourth place, tried hard to keep the contest alive until the final bout, but Haryana’s composure in key moments proved decisive in the nine-bout tie.

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Parvinder was named Impact Player of the Match for his timely comeback win that halted Punjab’s momentum, while Priya Malik claimed the Fighter of the Match award for her stunning fall in the women’s 76 kg bout. Player of the Match honours went to Iryna Koliadenko, whose emphatic win in the 62 kg contest swung the tie firmly in Haryana’s favour.

Punjab start fast, Haryana hit back

Punjab Royals drew first blood in the 57 kg men’s category as Chirag Chhikara controlled the opening exchanges against Rohit, scoring a decisive takedown in Period 1 and holding firm for a narrow 2–1 win.

Haryana responded immediately through Parvinder in the 74 kg men’s bout. Trailing after activity points and push-outs, he produced a strong second-period turnaround, landing a crucial takedown and a late push-out in the Power Minute to win on last-point criteria after an 8–8 tie.

Haryana Thunders put up a composed and resilient performance to defeat Punjab Royals 5–4 in the first semi-final at the Noida Indoor Stadium, booking their place in the Pro Wrestling League 2026 final. Parvinder’s crucial comeback earned him Impact Player of the Match. Priya… pic.twitter.com/IxkjsFsKHu

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) January 31, 2026

Punjab regained the lead in the 125 kg heavyweight contest, where captain Dinesh Dhankhar edged Anirudh Gulia 8–6 in a tight tactical bout that came alive in the Power Minute, with Dhankhar doing just enough to stay ahead.

Priya Malik stuns Kajal; Punjab lead 3–1

Momentum swung further Punjab’s way in the 76 kg women’s bout as Priya Malik handed Kajal Dhochhak her first defeat of the season. Priya’s relentless attack ended the contest by fall inside 99 seconds, giving Punjab a 3–1 advantage.

Haryana rally: Ashraf steady, Koliadenko delivers the turning point

Haryana began their attack in the 86 kg men’s tie as Ashirov Ashraf outmanoeuvred Sandeep Maan 5–1, combining tactical discipline with timely scoring to keep Haryana in the hunt.

The pivotal moment arrived in the 62 kg women’s category, where Paris Olympic silver medallist Iryna Koliadenko asserted her class. After absorbing early pressure from Ana Godinez, she converted a takedown into a turn and forced a fall, levelling the tie at 3–3 and shifting momentum decisively towards Haryana.

Sangwan dominates; Tulga seals it

Haryana then took control through Neha Sangwan in the 57 kg women’s contest. She dominated Rajnita Jangra 9–2, building an early cushion through push-outs and activity calls before landing a decisive four-point takedown in the Power Minute to make it 4–3.

The semi-final was effectively sealed in the 65 kg men’s bout, where World Championship silver medallist Tumur Ochir Tulga edged Anuj Kumar 2–1 in a tense, low-scoring contest. With activity points proving crucial, Tulga stayed composed in the Power Minute to clinch Haryana’s fifth win and confirm their place in the final.

Punjab won the final bout of the night by forfeit in the 53 kg women’s contest between Yui Susaki and Meenakshi, bringing the tie to a close at 5–4.

Final Team Score: Haryana Thunders 5 – 4 Punjab Royals

With the win, Haryana Thunders advance to the final of PWL 2026. The second semi-final will see Delhi Dangal Warriors take on UP Dominators, with LIVE coverage on Sony Sports Ten 4 and Ten 5 and streaming on Sony LIV.

PWL 2026: Semi-final 1 Results

Bout 1: 57kg (Men) – Chirag Chhikara (Punjab) bt Rohit (Haryana) 2–1
Bout 2: 74kg (Men) – Parvinder (Haryana) bt Chandermohan (Punjab) (Last Point Scored) 8–8
Bout 3: 125kg (Men) – Dinesh Dhankhar (Punjab) bt Anirudh Gulia (Haryana) 8–6
Bout 4: 76kg (Women) – Priya Malik (Punjab) bt Kajal Dhochhak (Haryana) by Fall (14–0)
Bout 5: 86kg (Men) – Ashirov Ashraf (Haryana) bt Sandeep Mann (Punjab) 5–1
Bout 6: 62kg (Women) – Iryna Koliadenko (Haryana) bt Ana Godinez (Punjab) by Fall (5–5)
Bout 7: 57kg (Women) – Neha Sangwan (Haryana) bt Rajnita Jangra (Punjab) 9–2
Bout 8: 65kg (Men) – Tumur Ochir Tulga (Haryana) bt Anuj Kumar (Punjab) 2–1
Bout 9: 53kg (Women) – Meenakshi (Punjab) won by forfeit