New Delhi, November 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s Manisha Bhanwala has credited the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) with helping her develop the mindset and match readiness that contributed to her historic gold medal at the Senior World Wrestling Championships in Astana.
Manisha became the first Indian woman to win gold at the Senior World Wrestling Championships, claiming the 59kg title. The victory marked a strong comeback after she missed out on an Asian Games medal.
Recalling the disappointment of her Asian Games quarterfinal loss to Japan’s Akari, Manisha said she returned to training immediately after reaching India. She landed on a Monday morning and was back in the training hall by evening, despite her coach advising her to rest and recover.
She said the ten days between the Asian Games and the World Championships were spent pushing herself towards her goal. Manisha credited PWL’s demanding schedule, which requires wrestlers to compete in closely spaced matches, with teaching her to manage emotions and reset quickly.
“The Pro Wrestling League throws you straight into the fire,” she said, explaining that competing against world-class opponents on consecutive days had helped her remain calm under pressure. She followed the same approach before the World Championships final, putting her phone away and conserving her nervous energy.
Manisha also said training alongside international champions in the league had strengthened her belief in Indian wrestlers’ ability to compete at the highest level. She recalled sparring and analysing techniques with world champion Bilyana Dudova and wrestlers from Armenia.
The grappler is set to compete in PWL Season 6 in Delhi in January 2027. She will use the league to gain match practice before moving down to the Olympic 57kg category, with Olympic qualification events beginning next year.
Manisha said competing against elite international opponents under pressure would help her prepare for the Olympic qualifiers. She also highlighted how PWL showcases wrestling as a modern, technical sport requiring speed, strategy and split-second decisions.
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