Sakshee Malikkh, Geeta Phogat announce new Wrestling Champions Super League

Olympic medallists Sakshee Malikkh and Aman Sehrawat, along with former world championship bronze-winner Geeta Phogat, announced on Monday their plan to launch the Wrestling Champions Super League (WCSL) for budding grapplers in India. However, the national federation, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), has declined to sanction the initiative.

Sakshee Malikkh, who won bronze in the 58kg category at the 2016 Rio Olympics, made the announcement along with Phogat, who won bronze in the 55kg category at the 2012 World Championships, through their social media handles. They revealed that Paris Games bronze-winner Aman Sehrawat would also be part of the project, though specific details were not provided.

Phogat expressed hope for support from both the federation and the government, stating, "Sakshee and I have been planning this League for a long time. Soon it will take a final shape. We have not yet spoken to the WFI, but it would be great if WFI and the government support us. It will be the first league operated only by the players."

Phogat emphasized that the league's objective is to benefit players, adding, "We are doing it for the players, for their benefit.



That is the idea and vision, so no one should have any problem with it. It's a proud moment for us. We won't stop anyone from getting involved in it; if WFI or the government comes on board, even better."

She mentioned that the league would feature international wrestlers and coaches, providing junior wrestlers with valuable exposure. When asked about prize money, format, and venue, Phogat said, "You will have to wait a bit to know all this. We will share the details very soon."

The WFI responded to the announcement, with WFI President Sanjay Singh stating, "We won't approve it. We are reviving our pro wrestling league and hopefully, we will have it soon. The wrestlers are free to do their own league; they can promote the game, but we won't be linked with that."

Sakshee Malikkh, who retired from wrestling after the appointment of Sanjay Singh as WFI head, expressed her commitment to giving back to the sport. She posted on X, "The only way to repay your trust is to dedicate our sporting talent, experience, grit & success to the service of the sport. The two of us have therefore come together to create the Wrestling Champions Super League (WCSL)."