From the disappointment of the Asian Games to a historic World Championships triumph, Manisha Bhanwala is determined to turn her remarkable comeback into an Olympic medal at Los Angeles 2028. For Indian wrestler Manisha Bhanwala, the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is no longer just about redemption. It is about fulfilling a promise to herself, honouring the memory of her father and building on a historic achievement that has established her among India’s leading women wrestlers.
The 29-year-old made history in Astana, Kazakhstan, by becoming the first Indian woman to win a senior World Championships gold medal in wrestling. Competing in the 59kg category, Manisha overcame a six-point deficit in the final to secure the title, turning the disappointment of the Asian Games into a defining moment in her career. Her triumph came after a difficult campaign at the Asian Games in Japan, where she had entered the competition confident of winning a medal but returned empty-handed.
Rather than allowing the setback to derail her ambitions, Manisha turned her attention towards the World Championships, following the advice of her coach, Virender Dahiya. “There was no luck in the Asian Games. It was all frustration. I kept talking to the coach about wrestling, practice and recovery. He told me that the next target was the World Championship. I still remember him saying that God had planned something big for me,” Manisha said during an interaction facilitated by the Wrestling Federation of India on Saturday.
The world title has now given the Indian wrestler renewed confidence as she sets her sights on the biggest prize in the sport. Manisha competed in the 57kg category at the Asian Games but opted for 59kg at the World Championships, recognising the physical demands of competing in two major tournaments within a short period. The decision was driven by the need to prioritise recovery and avoid the strain of cutting weight within a limited timeframe.
“I was confident of winning a medal at the Asian Games, but I knew I would have very little time to prepare for the World Championships. Losing weight in 10 days would have been tough, so I felt 59kg would be better. The medal at the Asian Games was very important to me, but unfortunately, it didn’t happen,” she said. The move proved decisive as Manisha delivered a stunning performance in the final, recovering from a 0-6 deficit to clinch the gold medal.
Despite the early setback, the Indian wrestler remained composed and continued to attack, refusing to allow the deficit to dictate her performance. “Sometimes, when I concede points on the international stage, I feel the pressure. But then I tell myself to keep a clear mind and do what I have to do. I felt I needed to score at least 10 points,” she said. Her comeback highlighted the mental resilience that has become a defining feature of her wrestling career.
Behind Manisha’s historic achievement lies the influence of her late father, Suresh, who introduced her to wrestling and encouraged her to pursue the sport. Her journey began at a young age when her father enrolled her in a hostel after she was considered unfit. Watching senior wrestlers train and Indian athletes win medals gradually fuelled her ambition to succeed.
However, her progress through the junior and sub-junior categories was not straightforward. After failing to make a significant impression at those levels, Manisha resolved to establish herself in senior wrestling. Her father passed away in 2022, leaving her to navigate one of the most difficult periods of her life. His teachings, however, continue to guide her on and off the mat. “My father taught me that either you do not get involved in any work, or you finish it completely. That is in my blood,” she said.
“Wrestling is the first and last option for me. It has given me life, a name and the ability to live.” Manisha’s world title was therefore more than a sporting achievement. It was also a tribute to the person who first encouraged her to take up the sport and believed in her potential. With the World Championships gold secured, Manisha’s immediate focus is on returning to the 57kg category, the weight division in which she intends to compete at the Los Angeles Olympics. The 59kg category is not part of the Olympic wrestling programme, making the transition an important step in her preparations.
Manisha has competed across four weight categories, ranging from 65kg to 57kg, winning medals in each. The experience has helped her develop the adaptability required to face different opponents and physical demands. Her upcoming schedule includes the Senior National Championships, the Pro Wrestling League and the national training camp, where the coaching staff will work towards building her competition programme for the Olympic qualification cycle. She also credited the Pro Wrestling League with helping her develop the composure needed to compete under pressure.
Regular contests against international opponents and the experience of wrestling on consecutive days have strengthened her ability to remain calm in difficult situations. For Manisha, age is not a limitation. Having made her senior debut at 25 and won her first World Championships gold at 29, she believes that commitment and mental strength remain the most important factors in an athlete’s career. “It all depends on the mind. There is no difference between young and old. What matters is dedication,” she said.
Manisha Bhanwala’s historic gold is a reminder that sporting careers are rarely defined by a single setback. Her journey from an unsuccessful Asian Games campaign to becoming India’s first women’s senior World Championships gold medallist demonstrates the importance of resilience, tactical discipline and the right support system. As she returns to the 57kg category, the challenge will be to sustain this momentum through the Olympic qualification cycle. Her ambition is clear, and her father’s influence continues to provide the motivation behind it. Having conquered the world stage, Manisha is now determined to take the next step in her career.
