Women wrestlers dominate PWL auction; Susaki attracts record bid
New Delhi, Jan 3: Headlined by Japan’s Yui Susaki, who attracted a record bid of Rs 60 lakh from the Haryana Thunders, women wrestlers emerged as the top attractions in the player auctions for the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 conducted in New Delhi on Saturday. Alongside Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Susaki, World Championship medallist Antim Panghal was snapped up by UP Dominators for Rs 52 lakh in the women’s 53 kg category, while Puerto Rico’s Ana Godinez fetched Rs 46 lakh from Punjab Royals in the women’s 62 kg division. Delhi Dangal Warriors added further depth to their squad by securing Azerbaijan’s Anastasiya Alpayeva for Rs 27 lakh in the women’s 76 kg category. (IANS)
Anish, Nirmaben lead Indian challenge at Mumbai Marathon
Mumbai, Jan 3: A mix of seasoned champions and emerging talent led by defending champions Anish Thapa and Nirmaben Thakor will be among the leading contenders in the men’s and women’s elite races at the Tata Mumbai Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label Race here on January 18. This year’s race will feature 36 of the country’s top athletes who will compete fiercely for the men’s and women’s titles, comprising 23 men and 13 women athletes. The top three finishers in the Indian Elite men’s and women’s categories will be awarded prize money of Rs 5 lakh, Rs 4 lakh, and Rs 3 lakh respectively. In addition, an event record bonus of Rs 2 lakh is on offer, along with an Indian event record jackpot of Rs 1 lakh. The current Indian event records are held by Nitendra Singh Rawat (2:15:48) in the men’s category and Sudha Singh (2:34:56) in the women’s. (PTI)
Ladakh LG launches new sports policy
Leh, Jan 3: Ladakh Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta on Saturday launched the Union Territory’s sports policy, which seeks to establish a Sports Council for focussed talent identification and infrastructure development. A key feature of the policy is the establishment of the Ladakh Sports Council, which will provide a strong institutional framework for coordinated development of sports, an official spokesman said. He said the council will work closely with sports associations on infrastructure development, coaching support, financial assistance and long-term planning. Launching the Ladakh sports policy, the Lt Governor said it provides a clear and structured roadmap for developing a strong sports culture from the school level to high-performance sports. He said the launch of the policy is not merely the introduction of a new government document, but a firm commitment towards shaping the future of Ladakh’s youth and giving a new identity to the region through sports. (PTI)
