Manisha Bhanwala Makes History with World Gold in Astana
Manisha Bhanwala etched her name in Indian wrestling history by winning gold at the Senior World Wrestling Championship in Astana, Kazakhstan. She became the first Indian woman wrestler to win a gold medal at the Senior World Championship, and she has dedicated the achievement to her late father, Suresh Bhanwala.
The 59 kg champion said her father had taught her to finish whatever she starts. She described this principle as deeply rooted in her character and said it continues to guide her career.
Manisha clinched the title on Friday after a remarkable recovery in the final. Her route to the gold included a 6-2 win over Canada's Laurence Beauregard in the pre-quarterfinal and a victory over Mongolia's Bolortuya Khurelkhu in the semifinal.
Speaking at a media interaction organised by the Wrestling Federation of India on Saturday, the 23-year-old described her father's presence in her life as constant. She said she often feels he is still with her and that wrestling has given her identity, purpose and the strength to keep moving forward.
Manisha also spoke about the emotional side of the championship. Before leaving for Kazakhstan, she had a white T-shirt printed with photographs of her parents and wore it during warm-up sessions. She said the decision was not based on any elaborate plan, but on feelings that came from within. She had the shirt made three days before reaching Astana because she felt she would return with a medal and a record.
India ended the championship with four medals, including Manisha's gold, two silver and one bronze. Tanu Sharma won bronze in the women's 72 kg category, while Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi earned silver.
Looking ahead, Manisha noted that the 59 kg category will not be part of the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. She believes some wrestlers from her category will move to the 57 kg division, which could work to her advantage during the qualification cycle. She said the wrestlers she faced in Astana are likely to compete in the 57 kg category at the 2027 qualifying event, which she sees as a positive.