PWL will help young wrestlers: Bajrang

Gurugram, Jan 9 (IANS) Star wrestler Bajrang Puniya has asserted that the upcoming Pro Wrestling League (PWL) will be a great platform for youngsters to learn from the international stars who will be in action during the upcoming fourth edition of the tournament.

"For me, personally, PWL has been an amazing platform to train with some of the best wrestlers in the world. It really helps to get a better understanding of the game while competing and practicing with some of the top players from the world. It's indeed helpful to see and learn from their style of training and their style of preparing before a game," Bajrang remarked.

"You get to know how different players have different approach and outlook towards the game. I think this is what PWL brings to the table apart from the high competitive level among wrestlers. Young wrestlers too are exposed to high level of training and competition during PWL," he added.

He also stated that PWL-4 will give the wrestlers much-needed preparation ahead of major events like the upcoming World Championships to be held in Astana from September 14 to 22. The Astana world championships will serve as the first qualifying meet for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Ahead of the fourth edition of PWL, Puniya talked about his new team, how he looks to approach the season and his never-ending desire to win more laurels for the country.

Bajrang, who was picked up by NCR Punjab Royals at the PWL draft recently, asserted that his team has the ability to win the title this year.

"I am going to do my best to win the title for this team. The team has some really great players in every possible category. Right from Anju in the 53 kg female category to the Canadian giant Korey Jarvis who competes in the 125 kg category, the entire team is made of champions. Senior national champion Amit Dhankar is also someone you need to watch out for in the future," he said.

"Overall, it's a great team and I am confident that we will be able to win the title."

Bajrang said that the PWL will play an important role in his preparations for the World Championships in Astana.

"The World Championships are very important for any wrestler, more so as the Astana event is the first qualifying meet for the Tokyo Games next year. PWL will definitely act as a reality check for me. It will give me an opportunity to have a good look at myself and see where I stand ahead of important events like the world championships and the Olympics," he said.