Manisha Bhanwala Makes History, Becomes First Indian Woman to Win World Wrestling Gold

Astana (Kazakhstan) — Manisha Bhanwala created history on Friday by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Senior World Wrestling Championships, capping an impressive campaign for the Indian women's team with a four-medal haul.

The 59kg wrestler produced a remarkable comeback in the final to defeat USA's Abigail Elizabeth Nette 8-6 and claim the world title. Trailing 0-6 at one stage, Manisha showed tremendous composure, determination and tactical awareness to turn the bout around and secure a memorable victory.

Her triumph marks a major milestone for Indian women's wrestling, which had been waiting for its first gold medal at the senior world championships. Several Indian wrestlers had come close in the past, including Anshu Malik, who won silver in 2021. In the ongoing edition, Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi also had to settle for silver medals.

Manisha's historic achievement not only ended India's long wait for a women's world championship gold but also highlighted the growing strength and competitiveness of the country's female wrestlers on the international stage.

India finished the women's competition with four medals, including one gold, two silver and one bronze. Tanu Sharma added to the tally with a bronze medal in the 72kg category, completing a successful campaign for the Indian contingent.

Meanwhile, India's men's freestyle campaign proved less rewarding. Vicky Hooda suffered a 0-10 defeat against Iranian heavyweight Hassan Yazdani in the 97kg repechage round, with the bout ending on technical superiority.

Indian wrestlers competing in the 61kg, 70kg, 86kg and 125kg men's freestyle categories had already bowed out during the preliminary rounds, failing to advance to Friday's semifinals.

India's medal tally at the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships:

Women's Wrestling – Four Medals

Gold:
Manisha Bhanwala – 59kg

Silver:
Kajal Dhochak
Neelam Sirohi

Bronze:
Tanu Sharma – 72kg

Manisha's gold medal will stand out as the defining moment of India's campaign, setting a new benchmark for the country's women wrestlers and opening another significant chapter in Indian wrestling history.

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