Manisha Bhanwala Creates History, Becomes First Indian Woman to Win Wrestling World Championships Gold

**Astana, October 31, 2026:** Indian wrestler Manisha Bhanwala has created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Wrestling World Championships. The 29-year-old wrestler achieved the historic victory in the women's 59kg freestyle category in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Friday, October 30. Manisha defeated American wrestler Abigail Nette by 8-6 in a closely contested final, making a remarkable comeback after trailing 6-0 during the match. The victory marked an important milestone for Indian women's wrestling, as the country secured its first-ever women's gold medal at the World Wrestling Championships. **A Remarkable Comeback in the Final** The final was challenging for Manisha, as her American opponent initially built a six-point lead. However, Manisha continued her fight and gradually reduced the gap through successful scoring moves. She eventually turned the match around and secured an 8-6 victory. Her performance demonstrated determination and strong competitive spirit on the international stage. **India's Historic Achievement in Women's Wrestling** Manisha's gold medal added another important achievement to India's performance at the 2026 Wrestling World Championships. Before her victory, Indian wrestlers Neelam Sirohi and Kajal Dhochak had also reached their respective women's finals but finished with silver medals. Manisha's achievement has given Indian wrestling its first women's world championship gold medal and marked a significant moment for the country's sporting history. Her victory is expected to inspire more young athletes, particularly women, to pursue wrestling and compete at international levels. The historic result has brought international recognition to Indian women's wrestling and highlighted the growing presence of Indian athletes in global competitions.