Commonwealth Games champion Odunayo Adekuoroye returns to Pro Wrestling League with eye on top prize

New Delhi: Nigeria’s Odunayo Adekuoroye is looking forward to repeating her performance of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) inaugural edition when the second season begins on 15 December. [caption id=“attachment_3104874” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File image of Adunayo Adekuoroye. Getty images[/caption] The 2014 Commonwealth Games champion, who was part of the Mumbai Garuda squad in the inaugural PWL, won all the six bouts she competed in the women’s 53 kilogram category. Odunayo has been undergoing six hours of intense training daily as she prepares for the second season of the PWL. “I am working on my speed and strength and would expect myself to be in top shape for the second season of the league,” Odunayo was quoted as saying in a statement. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Nigeria’s medal hopes in wrestling hinged on Odunayo. But she lost to Sofia Mattsson of Sweden in the first round. The 2015 World Championships bronze medallist is excited about a possible re-match with Sofia at the PWL and is eager to take revenge. “I am looking forward to a bout against Sofia. She is a very tough opponent to beat but I will make sure that I train harder and take this as a challenge. I hope that I come out better on the mat this time around,” Odunayo said. Talking about her Indian counterparts, she said: “Babita Kumari would be the one to watch out for as her performances have been very consistent. But without taking away anything from anyone, in Pro Wrestling League, I can’t underestimate anyone in my weight categories because I need to beat them all to ensure my team wins again.” Last season, Mumbai had won the PWL title and Odunayo is focussing all her energies towards preparing for the second edition and had recently visiting Germany for a training stint. “The inaugural season of the PWL was obviously a memorable one for me and I learned several things,” the Nigerian said. “I am gearing up for the second season to face new challenges.”