Manisha Bhanwala Makes History; Family Plans Grand Welcome

Manisha Bhanwala has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win gold at the Senior World Wrestling Championship. Her achievement has sparked a major celebration in her household, and her mother says the family is now preparing a grand welcome for her return.

Speaking about the moment, Meena Devi said the family had watched Manisha's match on the phone. She praised her daughter's performance in the six-minute bout, calling it powerful and strong. She also shared that Manisha's brother had first prepared to compete himself. Later, however, he said that if his sister wished to wrestle, he would support her. Rather than stepping onto the mat himself, he helped send Manisha to training and continues to manage all her needs.

Meena Devi said that wrestling had been close to her daughter's heart from the beginning. In the village, Manisha would often go to watch her brother play kabaddi. Each time he took her home, she would return to the field. Her interest in the sport grew gradually through these repeated visits.

The family says it is eagerly preparing to celebrate Manisha's return. Her mother expressed the hope that she will bring home an Olympic gold medal next. She noted that the dream of seeing her daughter win an Olympic medal was also shared by Manisha's father.

Rinku, the brother who made sacrifices so Manisha could become a wrestler, said the family was overjoyed. They stayed up until 4 a.m. to celebrate, and messages and calls came in from everywhere. He said the family had received full cooperation from United World Wrestling, the wrestling federation, the government, and the village community, which had made the win possible. He added that the nation's blessings were with her throughout.

Rinku said the victory was a direct result of his sister's relentless effort and that she had achieved everything through her own strength. He noted that Manisha now dreams of winning an Olympic medal for India. Mamta, Manisha's sister-in-law, also welcomed the triumph and said that nothing could compare to the pride a family feels when a daughter brings glory to the village and the nation.