The Next Big League After IPL: Dayaan Farooqui and Akhil Gupta’s Grand Vision for India’s Kushti Revolution

A new chapter is unfolding in India’s sports landscape - one that carries the power of heritage, emotion, and national pride. After the unprecedented success of the Indian Premier League (IPL), India is set to witness another revolution: the rise of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL).

At the forefront of this transformation stand Dayaan Farooqui, the Promoter and Chairman, and Akhil Gupta, the Promoter and CEO -two visionary leaders determined to make kushti (wrestling) India’s next big league after IPL.

Through ONO Media’s strategic acquisition of the PWL from the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), the duo has taken charge of a mission that blends passion with professionalism -to elevate wrestling from local akhadas to global arenas.

The Vision: Taking Kushti to Every Home 

For Dayaan Farooqui, this isn’t just a sports business -it’s a cultural movement. A proud believer in India’s wrestling legacy, he envisions the PWL as a bridge between traditional sport and modern entertainment.

“Kushti is in our DNA,” says Farooqui. “For centuries, it has represented strength, discipline, and pride. Now, we are giving it the scale, structure, and glamour it deserves. The Pro Wrestling League will be India’s next big league after IPL -not just in size, but in spirit.”

Farooqui’s leadership combines entrepreneurial foresight with cultural respect. His plan is to position wrestling as a mainstream viewing experience -complete with city-based teams, international stars, and high-impact production -making the sport resonate with fans across every Indian household.

Akhil Gupta’s Athlete-First Approach

 If Dayaan Farooqui is the visionary, Akhil Gupta is the architect. As CEO and Promoter, Gupta is driving the operational excellence and athlete empowerment that form the backbone of the league’s success.

He believes India’s wrestlers deserve not only fame but also financial stability, professional recognition, and career growth.

“Our mission is to make wrestlers into superstars,” Gupta explains. “Just as the IPL turned cricketers into household names, the PWL will do the same for wrestling. This is India’s moment to show the world what real strength looks like -both on and off the mat.”

Gupta’s focus on structured contracts, athlete branding, and global exposure ensures that wrestling is not just about competition -it’s a viable and rewarding career path for India’s youth.

ONO Media: Powering the League with Innovation

The Pro Wrestling League’s comeback is being powered by ONO Media, which has acquired exclusive rights to operate, produce, and broadcast the tournament. Backed by cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of audience engagement, ONO Media aims to make PWL one of the most-watched leagues in the country.

High-definition live broadcasts, digital fan engagement, storytelling-driven content, and brand partnerships will bring a new level of professionalism to the league. Industry experts predict that the PWL could soon become India’s second-largest sports league -right after IPL -in both popularity and commercial success.

Revolutionizing Indian Wrestling

The renewed PWL structure will feature franchise-based teams, bringing together top Indian and international wrestlers across men’s and women’s categories. Each team will represent a region, blending community pride with high-stakes competition.

The league will not only highlight established stars but also unearth new talent from across India -from the akhadas of Haryana and UP to the wrestling hubs of Maharashtra and Punjab.

 “We’re building a pathway for India’s next Olympic champions,” says Farooqui. “The PWL will inspire a generation, create heroes, and bring kushti into the national spotlight where it truly belongs.”

 India’s Next Big League Has Arrived

 The impact of this revival goes far beyond wrestling mats. It represents a shift in India’s sporting identity -from a single-sport nation to a multi-league powerhouse.

Under the dynamic leadership of Dayaan Farooqui and Akhil Gupta, supported by the vision and execution strength of ONO Media, the Pro Wrestling League is not just making a return -it’s taking its rightful place as India’s biggest sports league after IPL.

In essence:

 The IPL made cricket a global brand.

The Pro Wrestling League will make kushti a national movement.

With star wrestlers, world-class production, and visionary leadership, India’s beloved sport is ready to shine -stronger, prouder, and bigger than ever before.