In a thrilling final league match of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026, Delhi Dangal Warriors sealed their semifinal berth in dramatic fashion with a narrow 5-4 win over Punjab Royals at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Thursday.
Delhi’s qualification was virtually confirmed in the penultimate bout when Player of the Match Turan Bayramov produced a dominant display to outclass U23 Asian Champion Chandermohan in the 74kg men’s contest, drawing the tie level at 4-4 and ensuring the Warriors finished in the top two. The final result was then sealed in the last bout, which was decided by forfeit in the 125 kg men’s category, handing Ronak the win and confirming Delhi’s 5-4 triumph.
Punjab, who had already secured a semifinal spot prior to the tie, were kept in the hunt throughout, with Fighter of the Match Ana Godinez producing a standout performance in the 62 kg women’s bout to keep the contest alive.
Punjab strike first, Delhi respond strongly
Punjab began on the front foot in the 76 kg women’s category, where Priya Malik edged Anastasiya Alpyeeva 2-0.
Delhi hit back through Vafaeipour Hadi Bakhtiar in the 86 kg men’s category, overwhelming Sandeep Maan with relentless offence to register a commanding 20-7 win and level the tie.
Delhi then surged ahead as captain Sujeet Kalkal delivered a composed 10-1 victory over Anuj Kumar in the 65kg men’s bout, before Shubham Kaushik followed up with a clinical 9-0 shutout against Chirag Chhikara, taking Delhi to a 3-1 lead.
Punjab pulled one back in the 57 kg women’s contest, as Rajnita Jangra controlled proceedings against Karla Godinez Gonzalez to secure a 5-1 win.
Godinez, Meenakshi keep Punjab alive
In the 62 kg women’s bout, Ana Godinez delivered one of the best contests of the night. She built an early advantage with a massive five-point throw in the first period and, despite a strong fightback from Anjli, held her nerve to win 11-7, levelling the team score at 3-3.
Punjab then moved ahead for the first time since the opener, as Meenakshi dominated Saarika in the 53 kg women’s contest and forced an injury stoppage, making it 4-3 in Punjab’s favour.
Bayramov delivers under pressure
With Delhi’s semifinal hopes hanging in the balance, Bayramov stepped up in the 74 kg men’s bout. After absorbing early pressure, he unleashed a flurry of takedowns and exposures across both periods to power to an emphatic 18-8 victory over Chandermohan, levelling the tie at 4-4 and confirming Delhi’s place in the last four.
The final bout was then awarded by forfeit in the 125 kg men’s category, sealing Delhi’s 5-4 win.
With the result, Delhi Dangal Warriors finished second in the league stage with six points and 24 bout wins, while Punjab Royals, who had already confirmed qualification, finished fourth with six points and 23 bout wins.
On Friday, table-toppers Haryana Thunders will face Punjab Royals in the first semifinal on Day 14 of PWL 2026.