Mumbai deny PWL withdrawal

Pro Wrestling League (PWL) franchise Mumbai Maharathi on Thursday denied media reports that they have decided to withdraw from the tournament following disagreement with the tournament's organisers.

"We were shocked and distressed to see a story circulating in the media that we as a team had withdrawn from the Pro Wrestling League, Season 3 of which is currently being held in New Delhi.

"We would like to first categorically and unequivocally state that this story is blatantly false and has been spread by malicious intent and none of the owners have anything to do with it," the team owners said in a statement.

"We would like to reiterate that we have complete faith in the organisers of the PWL and that they have been conducting this world-class league in a fair and equitable manner. We have been with them right from Day One and would continue to do so," the statement added.

"We would also like to apologise to Sunil Kalra, the CEO of the League, against whom fallacious and damaging charges have been made, in the name of our team."

The team owners of Mumbai Maharathi were reportedly miffed after their 3-4 defeat to PWL debutants Veer Marathas here on Wednesday.

Mumbai were allegedly prevented from blocking the men's 74 kilogram category from the the tie.

The men's 74kg bout later proved to be crucial to the outcome of the tie as with the scores locked at 3-3, upcoming star Praveen Rana overcame Mumbai's Praveen Dahiya 6-4 to ensure a narrow victory for the Marathas.

Mumbai have, however, denied that they are unhappy with the PWL organisers.

"Our investigations have revealed that Birbal Sports and Entertainment, whom we had hired to handle our operations for the league, is behind this story. We have terminated all our relationships with them with immediate effect and relieve them of all their duties," the statement said.

"Any information circulated by them on our behalf henceforth will have no legal sanction and can be actionable in the Indian courts. Any media house or channel carrying stories spread by Birbal Sports and Entertainment or any of his representatives will do so at their own risk," it added.

"We would like to once again apologise to PWL and declare that the Mumbai Maharathi players are all eagerly looking forward to our next match on January 20."

Earlier, a statement claiming to be from the Mumbai owners said that they are pulling out from the PWL.

"While the team management has taken in its stride several instances of mismanagement and operational glitches by the league organisers, they reacted strongly to the incident that occurred at the toss between Mumbai Maharathi and their opponents.

"After Sakshi Malik won the toss, she oped to block the wrestler in the 74 kg category, but was prevented to so so by the organisers in a clear violation of the rules. Sakshi then had no option but to block a wrestler in another weight category and the 74 kg category proved vital in the final outcome of the match, with Mumbai Maharathi losing the tie 3-4 to the Veer Marathas," the statement said.

"According to the rules, one weight category cannot be blocked for consecutive matches and for a total of 2 out of the 5 league matches. Mumbai Maharathi had blocked the 74 kg category in their first encounter and now sought to do so in their third encounter, adhering to the rules, but the league organisers stepped in to twist the rules and thwart Mumbai Maharathi," it added.

--IANS

ajb/dg