Manisha Bhanwala Makes History with Gold at World Wrestling Championships

In a groundbreaking achievement, Manisha Bhanwala has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the World Wrestling Championships. Her remarkable victory in the 59kg final not only highlights her incredible skill and determination but also marks a significant milestone for Indian women's wrestling. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya celebrated this monumental day for Indian wrestling, emphasizing the importance of this victory. Manisha's triumph, which included a comeback from a 0-6 deficit, capped off a successful campaign for the Indian contingent, which secured a total of four medals at the championships. Read on to discover more about this historic moment.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 31, 2026, 14:25 IST

Historic Victory for Indian Wrestling

Astana, Kazakhstan - On October 31, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised Manisha Bhanwala for her groundbreaking achievement as the first Indian woman to secure a gold medal at the World Wrestling Championships.

Manisha made history on Friday by winning the gold in the 59kg category, marking a significant milestone for Indian women in wrestling.

In a post on X, Mandaviya expressed his heartfelt congratulations, stating, "A monumental day for Indian Wrestling! Heartiest congratulations to Manisha Bhanwala on becoming the first Indian woman in history to win gold at the World Wrestling Championships."

A monumental day for Indian Wrestling! Heartiest congratulations to Manisha Bhanwala on becoming the first Indian woman in history to win gold at the World Wrestling Championships. https://t.co/FURsjbSVhJ

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) October 30, 2026

In a thrilling final against Abigail Elizabeth Nette from the USA, Manisha displayed remarkable determination and strategy, overcoming a 0-6 deficit to secure an 8-6 victory. This win signifies a historic moment for Indian women's wrestling.

Prior to Manisha's victory, India had not achieved a gold medal in women's wrestling at the Senior World Championships. She broke this streak, surpassing the silver medal finishes of Anshu Malik in 2021 and her fellow wrestlers Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi, who also earned silver in the current championships.

Manisha's gold medal capped off a successful campaign for the Indian women's wrestling team, which concluded the championships with a total of four medals.

In total, India secured four medals at the 2026 World Championships, with Manisha winning gold in the 59 kg category, while Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi earned silver, and Tanu Sharma brought home a bronze in the 72 kg category.