Manisha Bhanwala Makes History with Comeback World Title

New Delhi, October 31: A remarkable comeback has earned Manisha Bhanwala a place in Indian sporting history. She became the first Indian to win a gold medal at the Senior World Wrestling Championship, and her performance drew praise from former cricketer Shikhar Dhawan.

Manisha won the gold on Friday in Astana, Kazakhstan, in the women's 59 kg category. Her victory in the final over America's Abigail Nate was a striking display of resilience and skill.

Dhawan took to X to applaud her effort. His post read, 'World champion after trailing 0-6. You are an incredible fighter, Manisha. You have made the entire country proud. Congratulations.'

Manisha was trailing by six points at one point in the final. Nate opened with a four-point throw, and after an unsuccessful Indian challenge she added another point to lead 5-0. A caution then raised Nate's lead to 6-0.

Manisha refused to give in. She got on the board with a step-out point before the break. In the second round she stayed composed and narrowed the gap with a takedown. When the American side failed in another challenge, Manisha was awarded an extra point and moved into a position to attack from par terre.

She seized that moment with a two-point gut wrench to level the score at 6-6. She then landed a decisive takedown to go ahead 8-6. Manisha held firm against Nate's final attempts to come back, securing a memorable win.

Her path to the final was equally strong. She opened her campaign in the pre-quarterfinals by beating Canada's Laurence Beauregard 6-2. In the semifinals, she defeated Mongolia's Bolortuya Khurelkhu to book her place in the gold medal match.