Khinchegashvili, Kurbanaliev, Stadnik big buys at PWL auction

Georgia's Rio Olympic gold medallist Vladimer Khinchegashvili emerged as the costliest buy till the halfway mark of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) auction, joining CDR Punjab Royals for a whopping Rs 48 lakh ($70,790), while Magomed Kurbanaliev of Russia and Mariya Stadnik were bagged for Rs 47 lakh ($69,326) each.

Kurbanaliev, the 70kg reigning world champion, was sold to Haryana Hammers, as Mangalayatan University Dilli Veer splurged Rs 47 lakh ($69,326) to include three-time Olympic medallist Mariya Stadnik (48kg) of Ukraine in their roster.

Another Georgian, 2016 Olympics bronze medallist Jabrayil Hasanov (74 kg) went for Rs 43 lakh ($63,426) to the Mumbai franchise.

Apart from 57kg exponent Khinchegashvili, Punjab bagged another experienced campaigner in 2012 Olympic gold medallist Togrul Asgarov from Azerbaijan for Rs 35 lakh ($51,618).

Three-time world champion Sofia Mattsson from Sweden moved to Haryana for Rs 41.50 lakh ($61,214).

Meanwhile, young Indian Bajrang Punia was signed by Delhi for Rs 38 lakh ($56,043).Indian Amit Dhankar went to Uttar Pradesh Warriors team for Rs 32 lakh ($47,200), while compatriot Rahul Aware was bagged by Mumbai for Rs 31 lakh ($45,715).

Georgian Elizbar Odikadze, who was a key member of Mumbai's title last term, this time went to Jaipur for Rs 25.50 lakh ($37,613). Indian 97 kg champion Satyavart Kadian will play for Delhi after being fetched for Rs 18 lakh ($26,550).

All teams have been given a purse of Rs 2 crore ($2,94,964) to assemble a nine-member squad that includes five men and four women -- comprising five Indians and four foreigners.

--IANS

sam/vd