Indian wrestlers Narsingh Yadav and Bajrang Punia lived up to their top billings as Bengaluru Yodhas posted a comprehensive 6-1 victory over Uttar Pradesh Warriors on the second day of the inaugural Pro Wrestling League (PWL)
New Delhi: Indian wrestlers Narsingh Yadav and Bajrang Punia lived up to their top billings as Bengaluru Yodhas posted a comprehensive 6-1 victory over Uttar Pradesh Warriors in a one-sided contest on the second day of the inaugural Pro Wrestling League (PWL) in New Delhi on Saturday.
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Babita Kumari was the lone grappler from UP Warriors to win her bout for her team and avoid a whitewash.
Bengaluru's icon player, Narsingh took his revenge against Unurbat Purevjav, who he had lost to at the World Championships. Interestingly, Narsingh stunned Purevjav in men's 74kg category with a rather easy 9-1 win. Another big name of Indian wrestling, Bajrang got the better of compatriot Rahul Mann 10-2 to emerge victorious in men's 65kg division.
Other grapplers to win their bouts for Bengaluru were Sandeep Tomar (Men's 57kg), Alyssa Lampe (Women's 48kg), Yulia Ratkevich (Women's 58kg) and Pavlo Oliynik (Men's 97kg).
UP's Babita outplayed Lalita Sherawat 8-2 in women's 53kg category to restore some pride for her team.
While Bengaluru Yodhas bagged a total of 36 points from their wrestlers' efforts, UP could earn just 19 points. Bengaluru won their first three bouts with Tomar defeating Sergey Ratushniy 4-2, followed by Lampe beating
Oleksandra Kogut 5-4 and Bajrang posting a win to take a 3-0 lead.
It was Babita, who pulled one back to reduce the margin to 1-3 and keep alive UP's chances in the contest.
But Narsingh gave Bengaluru an unassailable 4-1 lead before Ratkevich defeated Ritu Malik 4-1 and Oliynik got the better of Satyavrat Kadian 2-1 to extend the margin of victory.
"Our team is very good. We have a great combination of Indian and international players. I am very hopeful that we will get a podium finish. I lost against Unurbat Purevjav in the World Championship, so it was a bright chance for me to take revenge and that too in front of my countrymen," said Narsingh.
"I came today with a desire to win and I played with all my efforts to fulfil my desire," he added.