Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals underlining their winning ambitions ahead of their debut season in the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) by splurging on 2024 Paris Olympics bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat and former
world championships bronze medallist Oleksandr Khotsianivskyi of Ukraine during the league's Players Auction on Saturday.
Owned by Aspect Sports, the sports arm of Aspect Global Ventures, in partnership with APCO Infratech, the Mumbai franchise entered the auction with a clear strategy of building a high-performance unit that blends proven international experience with India's best emerging and established wrestling talent.
The Pro Wrestling League returns after a six-year hiatus and under the guidance of Head Coach Chandra Vijay Singh, a two-time Pro Wrestling League title winner, Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals focused on securing wrestlers who bring consistency, versatility, and championship pedigree across weight categories.
The coach's approach was visible as the franchise went all out to get Aman Sehrawat (57kg), paying Rs 51 lakh for India's top talent, while also spending Rs 33 lakh for 35-year-old Oleksandr, who brings a wealth of experience in the 125kg freestyle category. The two marquee signings highlight the star power of the 9-wrestler unit of the Mumbai franchise.
Explaining the team's strategy at the Auction, coach Chandra Vijay Singh said , "Aman is an Olympic medallist and having him in the team will be a huge motivation for the entire team as he has won an Olympic medal at such a young age. We are happy to have such a talented young Indian boxer in our unit"
The franchise also picked 2023 Asian Junior Championships gold medallist Mukul Dahiya (86kg) and 2023 Asian U23 Championships silver medallist Rohit Rahal for Rs 8 lakh each. Tigers of Mumbai Dangals also picked Ukraine's 2025 European Championships bronze medallist Alina Filipovic (women's 57kg) and Poland's Olha Padoshyk (women's 62kg) to strengthen the squad. India's Jyoti Berwal (women's 76 KG), who won gold medal in Junior World Championship, was also acquired by the team for 15 Lakhs in the auctions.
Aksha Kamboj, Executive Chairperson, Aspect Global Ventures, and Owner, Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals , said, "Building a strong squad was a crucial step in our journey in the Pro Wrestling League. The auction reflects our intent-to invest in quality talent, support athletes with the right environment, and create a team that Mumbai can be proud of. Wrestling has immense potential in India, and we are committed to contributing to its professional growth through this franchise. "
The successful auction follows the recent acquisition of the Mumbai franchise by Aspect Sports and APCO Infratech, marking Aspect Sports' formal entry into the Pro Wrestling League and the extension of its 'Tiger' franchise legacy from Kolkata to Mumbai.
"The auction marks an important milestone for Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals. The quality of wrestlers selected reflects the seriousness with which this franchise is approaching the league. We look forward to seeing the team perform as the Pro Wrestling League makes its much-awaited return," said RP Singh, Director of APCO Infratech.
The Pro Wrestling League 2026 season will run from January 16 to February 1, 2026, featuring six teams and some of the finest wrestling talent from India and around the world.
(An excerpt from agency)
