Indian wrestler Manisha Bhanwala has created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a senior World Wrestling Championship title. She defeated American wrestler Abigail Nette 8-6 in the women’s 59kg final on October 30, 2026, at the World Championships in Kazakhstan.
With this victory, Manisha ended India’s long wait for a women’s senior world wrestling title. She also became only the second Indian wrestler to win a senior world championship gold medal, following Sushil Kumar, who achieved the feat in 2010.
Manisha’s journey to the top has been marked by years of dedication and hard work. She started wrestling as a teenager to improve her fitness but gradually developed a passion for the sport. According to her, winning a world title had been her dream since 2022.
The Indian women’s wrestling team also delivered a strong performance at the championships. Other Indian wrestlers won two silver medals and one bronze medal, adding to the country’s medal tally.
Manisha’s historic victory marks an important moment for Indian wrestling and gives young female athletes another reason to pursue the sport at the international level. She has now set her sights on building on this achievement in future competitions.
