World Wrestling Championships 2026: Manisha Bhanwala Wins India's First-Ever Women's Freestyle Gold
Indian wrestler Manisha Bhanwala made history at the 2026 World Wrestling Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan. In the women’s freestyle 59kg weight category, Bhanwala defeated reigning pan-American champion Abigail Nette from the USA 8-6 after overcoming a 6-0 deficit. This was the first ever gold medal won by India in the women’s freestyle division. This made Manisha only the second Indian wrestler to win a senior world championship title joining Sushil Kumar who won gold in 2010.
Manisha Bhanwala defeated Abigail Nette from the USA in the women’s 59kg final at the World Wrestling Championships 2026.
Despite being down 6-0, Bhanwala made a remarkable come back to win the match 8-6. Nette could not capitalise on her early lead after her initial winning streak.
This was a huge achievement for women’s wrestling in India, making Manisha a senior world champion.
This makes Manisha the second ever Indian wrestler to win a senior world championship title.
The first to do so was Sushil Kumar who won gold in the men’s 66kg freestyle at the 2010 World Wrestling Championships in Moscow.
| Wrestler | Year | Weight Category | Achievement |
| Sushil Kumar | 2010 | Men’s 66kg Freestyle | India’s first senior world champion |
| Manisha Bhanwala | 2026 | Women’s 59kg Freestyle | India’s first women’s freestyle world champion |
This is particularly impressive as Indian women have always played an important role in Indian wrestling success internationally but have never won a senior world title in women’s freestyle.
Manisha had an impressive tournament in the women’s 59kg.
Round Wise Results
| Round | Opponent | Result |
| First Round | Laurence Beauregard (Canada)Fall | Victory |
| Quarter Final | Bolortuya Khurelkhuu (Mongolia) | 6-0 Victory |
| Semifinal | Altyn Shagayeva (Kazakhstan) | 10-0 Fall Victory |
| Final | Abigail Nette (USA) | 8-6 Victory |
Manisha defeated Altyn Shagayeva from Kazakhstan in the semifinals after taking an early 10-0 lead and winning via fall.
Going into the final Manisha had an impressive run in the earlier rounds. In the final she showed her determination and tactical skills to overcome a large deficit.
This was a breakthrough for Manisha in the senior international arena.
Prior to the championship Manisha had competed in three senior world wrestling championships, but had not won any medals.
At the 2024 World Championships in Tirana, Albania Manisha made it to the bronze medal match in the non-Olympic 65kg category. However, she lost to Miwa Morikawa from Japan.
Manisha also competed in the Asian games 2026 in the 57kg category. She lost 3-0 in the quarter final to Akari Fujinami from Japan who won Olympic gold at Paris 2024 and has two world titles.
However, for the World Championships Manisha moved to compete in the non-Olympic 59kg category and won gold.
Manisha’s gold saw India win four medals at the championship. All were won in the women’s freestyle category.
| Wrestler | Weight | Medal |
| Manisha Bhanwala | Women’s 59kg | Gold |
| Neelam Sirohi | Women’s 50kg | Silver |
| Kajal Dhochak | Women’s 76kg | Silver |
| Tanu Sharma | Women’s 72kg | Bronze |
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