India’s Manisha Bhanwala has created history by becoming the country’s first-ever woman wrestling world champion. She clinched the gold medal in the women’s 59kg freestyle category at the 2026 World Wrestling Championships held in Astana, Kazakhstan, on October 30.
In a thrilling final, the 29-year-old Indian wrestler defeated American opponent Abigail Nette 8-6 after making a remarkable comeback from a 0-6 deficit. Despite trailing by six points, Manisha fought back with a series of successful moves to turn the match around and secure the historic victory.With this achievement, Manisha became only the second Indian wrestler to win a senior World Championships gold medal, after Sushil Kumar, who won the men’s 66kg title in 2010.
Manisha’s victory also marked a successful campaign for the Indian women’s wrestling team, which finished the championship with four medals. India secured one gold, two silver and one bronze medal. Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi won silver medals, while Tanu Sharma claimed bronze.Hailing from Haryana’s Rohtak district, Manisha’s historic achievement marks a major milestone for Indian women’s wrestling and adds a new chapter to the country’s sporting history.
