Former Ukraine star to feature in PWL

Former Ukraine grappler Andrei Stadnik, who had defeated Sushil Kumar at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, is set for another tryst with Indian wrestling -- this time as a coach in the Pro Wrestling League (PWL).

Stadnik had defeated Sushil in the first round of the now disbanded men's 66 kilogram freestyle category before the Indian wrestler went on to defeat all his opponents in the repechage round and claim the bronze medal. Andrei had finished with the silver.

"Andrei is still involved with wrestling. He is giving coaching at a wrestling centre in Azerbaijan where she is also undergoing training under him," Andrei's wife Mariya was quoted as saying in a statement on Sunday.

Andrei's sister Yana Rattigan represented Punjab Royals in the first season of the PWL.

Mariya, a Ukrainian who represents Azerbaijan, got a bronze at the Beijing Olympics in the women's freestyle 48kg category.

She had taken silver medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics in London and Rio de Janeiro respectively. Both times, she lost to Japanese wrestlers.

Hailing the PWL as crucial for the development of wrestling, Mariya said, "Bringing the top wrestlers of the world together on a same mat is a big step forward for the upliftment of this sport."

--IANS

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