New Delhi: The third edition of the Pro Wrestling League 3 (PWL 3) proved to be an unprecedented hit, reaching over 85 crore viewers across India in the span of 36 hrs* (Source: 1)and become one of the successful non-cricketing league.
According to the latest BARC India ratings, PWL 3 has outshone the Pro Kabaddi League-V, which has become the benchmark for sports beyond cricket, by an impressive 9% in India and by a phenomenal 47% in Hindi-speaking markets** (Source: 2).
All the Sony channels that telecast the 18-day league, featuring over 24 Olympians, 10 Rio Olympic medalists, 14 World Champions and 6 Continental Champions, saw an exponential growth during the tournament. Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN (HD)’s viewership shot up by 241% and 583% respectively*** (Source: 3).
Speaking about the impressive television numbers, Kartikeya Sharma, founder and promoter of ProSportify, said, “Sports like wrestling have not got the attention that mainstream sports get in India. The latest BARC India Ratings are proof that there is huge viewership for such sports, especially wrestling, if it’s packaged properly.”
“Even more heartening for us sports lovers is that people are enthusiastically watching other sports too, like wrestling, kabaddi, badminton and football. It is not just very cricket any longer in the country and that is very significant as it will eventually help India become a multi-sport viewing nation,” he added.
Kartikeya Sharma expressed happiness at the grand success of PWL 3. “We are extremely happy that PWL Season 3 secured the best ratings among ongoing sports leagues in the country and taken wrestling to a level that is second only to cricket,” he said.
“This is a welcome change and we feel proud to be part of the revolution to create space for sports other than cricket. We are particularly delighted to see a surge of interest among urban and new viewers, adding substantially to the rural and existing fans,” he added.
The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) was launched in 2015 with the aim of reviving the popular Indian sport of ‘kushti’ (wrestling), tapping the enormous talent for the sport hidden away in remote corners of the country and re-introducing wrestling in India in a new and modern avatar.
The third season saw top wrestlers from as many as 17 countries participate in the league. It also provided a great platform for India’s young and talented players compete and learn in close quarters from Olympic and World champions. The experience is expected to hold them in good stead in major international tournaments and even help the country garner medals in a big way from here on.
*Source 1: -BARC, TG: – 2+ NCCS All, Mkt: – India (U+R), Period: – 9th Jan – 26th Jan’18, Reach ‘000s (30Mnt Split – Total Event*)
**Source 2: – BARC,Event Avg. Per Channel, TG:- 15+ Male NCCS A; Period – PWL#3 (9TH Jan – 26th Jan’18 – 18 Days); PKL#5 (28th July – 28th Oct’17 – 75 Days), Imp’000 (30 Mnt Split)
PKL #5 (8 channels) Vs PWL# 3(3 Channels)
***Source 3: – BARC, TG: – 2+ NCCS, Mkt: – All India (U+R), Time: – 7pm-9pm; Period – Before PWL#3 (22ndDec – 8th Jan’18) &during PWL#3 (9TH Jan – 26th Jan’18), Imp’000s (30 Mnt Split)
