Daijiworld Media Network- Gwalior

Gwalior, Aug 22: The grand finale of the Pro Panja League Season 2 turned into a historic night for Kiraak Hyderabad, as they defeated Rohtak Rowdies 30-18 to lift the championship trophy in Gwalior on Thursday.

The Hyderabad team, who narrowly missed the title last season, displayed sheer dominance throughout the tournament and signed off their campaign in style. Along with the coveted trophy, the champions also walked away with a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh.

The highlight of the evening was Stewe Thomas, who stunned the audience by pinning Deepankhor Mech in just 0.09 seconds, setting a new Pro Panja League record and sealing Hyderabad’s victory even before the last bout. He was later honoured with the Badshaho ka Badshah title. Hyderabad’s Satnam Singh bagged the Player of the Tournament award, while Nirmal Devi of Rohtak Rowdies was named Player of the Day.

The contest featured ten bouts – four in the undercard and six in the main card. Kiraak Hyderabad made a clean sweep in the undercard with victories from Aviliye Zuyie, Naveen MV, Rachna Jatav, and Captain Asker Ali, giving their side a comfortable lead. Rohtak Rowdies’ hopes revived briefly as Srinivas BV and Nirmal Devi shone in the main card, but Hyderabad regained momentum through Aabhas Rana and Madhura KN, before Stewe Thomas delivered the killer blow.

The grand finale witnessed the presence of Pro Panja League co-founders Parvinn Dabass and Preeti Jhangiani, Organising Committee Chairman Prabal Pratap Singh Tomar, IOC member Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, wrestler Saurav Gurjar, kabaddi star Rahul Chaudhari, and Olympic medallist Vijender Singh, who came as the team ambassador for Rohtak Rowdies.

With their emphatic victory, Kiraak Hyderabad have etched their name in the history of Indian arm-wrestling, making Season 2 a memorable chapter in the league’s journey.