Manisha Bhanwala Makes History, Becomes India's First Woman Wrestling World Champion

Indian wrestling scripted history on Friday as Manisha Bhanwala became the country’s first-ever woman World Champion, producing a sensational comeback to defeat American wrestler Abigail Nette 8-6 in the women’s 59kg final at the World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The 29-year-old overturned a daunting six-point deficit to clinch gold, becoming only the second Indian wrestler overall to win a World Championships title after legendary Sushil Kumar, who claimed the men’s 66kg gold in 2010.

The final began on a difficult note for Manisha, with Nette taking an early 6-0 lead. The American secured a four-point move by taking control of Manisha’s leg and throwing her into a dangerous position. A failed Indian challenge and a subsequent caution further increased Nette’s advantage.

Manisha managed to score a point before the first period ended, but the contest appeared firmly in the American’s control.

However, the Indian returned with renewed determination in the second period. She executed a takedown against Nette and won a challenge from the American corner to collect an additional point. Manisha then produced a gut wrench to level the score at 6-6.

With Nette still holding the advantage on criteria, Manisha found another opportunity to execute a two-point move and take an 8-6 lead. With just 27 seconds remaining, she defended brilliantly to preserve her advantage until the final whistle.

Overcome with joy, Manisha bowed and kissed the mat after securing the historic victory.

Her gold capped an unprecedented campaign for India’s women’s team, with Neelam Sirohi (50kg) and Kajal Dhochak (76kg) having secured silver medals on Thursday. It was the first time three Indian women had reached gold medal bouts at the same edition of the World Championships.