Manisha Bhanwala scripts history, becomes India's first woman wrestling world champion

Indian wrestling has its first woman World Champion. Manisha Bhanwala created history on Friday, staging a remarkable comeback from a six-point deficit to defeat American Abigail Nette 8-6 in the women's 59kg final at the World Championships.

The victory makes the 29-year-old the first Indian woman to win a World Championships gold medal and only the second Indian wrestler overall to achieve the feat. Legendary Sushil Kumar was the first, claiming the men's 66kg title in 2010.

Manisha's triumph ended India's long wait for a world champion and capped a historic campaign for the women's team, which had three wrestlers competing in gold medal bouts in the same edition of the championships for the first time.

Neelam Sirohi (50kg) and Kajal Dhochak (76kg) had settled for silver on Thursday. Manisha, however, ensured that India would not leave the championships without a gold, producing one of the most memorable comebacks of the tournament.

The final was a test of both her technical ability and resilience. Nette made an aggressive start, launching a right-leg attack before securing a firm grip and lifting Manisha's leg to gain control.

The Indian resisted for nearly 30 seconds before being thrown near the edge of the mat, conceding a four-point move. Manisha's corner challenged the decision, but the review went against India, confirming that she had landed in a danger position. The unsuccessful challenge handed the American an additional point.

With Nette leading 5-0, Manisha attempted to push her opponent out of the mat, but the American managed to evade the move. A subsequent caution against the Indian took the score to 6-0 in Nette's favour.

Manisha managed to earn a push-out point before the first period ended, but the American remained firmly in control.

The second period, however, brought a dramatic turnaround.

Manisha returned with renewed determination and turned the contest around with a seven-point scoring sequence. When Nette attempted another leg attack, the Indian slipped behind her to execute a takedown.

The American corner challenged the decision, arguing that the referee had blown the whistle to stop the action. The review, however, went in Manisha's favour, earning her an additional point.

With Nette placed in a par terre position, Manisha seized the opportunity to execute a gut wrench and level the score at 6-6.

Although the American retained the advantage on criteria, Manisha had seized the momentum. She followed it up with another scoring move, executing a two-pointer to take an 8-6 lead.

With just 27 seconds remaining, the Indian defended her advantage against a tiring Nette, refusing to give her opponent an opportunity to recover.

When the final whistle sounded, Manisha had secured a historic victory. Overcome with joy, she jumped in celebration, bowed down and kissed the mat — a moment that marked the culmination of a landmark achievement in Indian wrestling.

PTI