New Delhi, November 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s historic Senior World Wrestling Championships gold medallist Manisha Bhanwala has opened up about the emotional strain of the selection process, revealing that she could not sleep for 10 days before her triumph in the women’s 59kg category.
During a meeting with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya following her victory in Astana, Kazakhstan, Manisha recalled the pressure she faced after coming through the selection trials.
“I came out of the selection game, sir. I couldn’t sleep for 10 days, sir,” she told the minister.
The wrestler also spoke about her dramatic comeback in the final against the United States’ Abigail Nette. Trailing 0-6 at one stage, Manisha fought back to win 8-6 and secure the gold medal.
Asked how she responded to the deficit, she said she started again. Reflecting on the feeling after the victory, she told Mandaviya that she had finally been able to sleep peacefully.
The interaction also touched upon Manisha’s earlier visit to the minister. Recalling that he had sent her to compete at the World Championships, Mandaviya said all athletes represented the country and deserved opportunities to compete.
He encouraged the wrestlers to focus on their efforts, invoking the Bhagavad Gita’s message: “कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।” He explained that athletes should have faith in their actions and allow results to follow.
Manisha made history on October 30 by becoming the first Indian wrestler to win gold at the Senior World Championships. Her 8-6 victory over Nette came after she reduced a six-point deficit through a series of takedowns and a two-point gut-wrench.
She had earlier defeated Canada’s Laurence Beauregard 6-2 in the pre-quarterfinals and overcame Mongolia’s Bolortuya Khurelkhuu in the semifinals.
India had previously secured two silver medals at the championships, with Neelam finishing second in the 50kg category and Kajal taking silver in the 76kg event.
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