New Delhi, Dec 10 (IANS): Indian Test captain Virat Kohli has become a co-owner of Pro Wrestling League (PWL) franchise Bengaluru Yodhas.

The inaugural edition of the PWL pits six city-based franchises against one another in one of the richest freestyle wrestling tournaments in the world. Kohli's Bengaluru Yodhas will start their campaign against the UP Warriors in their opening fixture on Friday.

Kohli said that when he was asked to consider the idea of co-owning the Bengaluru Yodhas , he was delighted to step into the mat and jump at the opportunity. 

"I was thrilled on hearing about the Pro Wrestling League and Bengaluru Yodhas. I am no stranger to the city of Bangalore and it is wonderful that I can extend my association by way of the Yodhas," he was quoted as saying in a statement. 

"I am confident that the Yodhas will be a vital cog in the scheme of things. I am excited and cannot wait to follow all the action on the mat."

The Bengaluru Yodhas are captained by World Championships bronze medalist Narsingh Yadav (74kg). 

Giving Narsingh company are Sandeep Tomar (57kg), Bajrang Punia (65kg), Ukraine's Pavlo Oliiynik (97kg) and Davit Modzmanashvili (125kg) of Georgia in the men's section. 

Five-time World Championship medallist Yuliya Ratkevich of Azerbaijan is the Yodhas' star in the women's draw. She is joined by USA's Alyssa Lampe, India's Lalita Sehrawat and Navjot Kaur.