Astana, Kazakhstan, October 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Manisha Bhanwala created history on Friday by winning India’s first-ever gold medal at the Senior World Wrestling Championships, staging a remarkable comeback to defeat the United States’ Abigail Nette 8-6 in the women’s 59kg final in Astana, Kazakhstan.
India’s historic gold came after two unsuccessful attempts at the 2026 World Championships in Astana. Manisha produced a stunning turnaround in the final, recovering from a 6-0 deficit to secure an 8-6 victory and claim the world title.
Earlier in the competition, Neelam in the 50kg category and Kajal in the 76kg category had also reached the finals but fell short of winning gold, according to information provided by United World Wrestling (UWW).
In the 59kg final, Nette initially took control by scoring four points against Manisha. India challenged the call, but the challenge was unsuccessful, awarding another point to the American wrestler and giving her a 5-0 lead. A caution against Manisha subsequently extended Nette’s advantage to 6-0. The Indian wrestler managed to get on the scoreboard with a step-out point just before the break.
Manisha then launched an impressive comeback. She secured a takedown against Nette, prompting the United States to challenge the decision on the grounds that the referee had whistled to stop the bout. The challenge was rejected, giving Manisha another point and a position in par terre.
With the score at 6-4, Manisha used a gut-wrench to turn Nette and earn two more points. She attempted to hold the American for a fall but could not complete the move.
Nette then sought to protect her 6-6 criteria advantage, but Manisha continued to attack. A pressure takedown gave the Indian wrestler an 8-6 lead, which she successfully defended to seal the historic gold medal.
Manisha had secured her place in the 59kg final with an outstanding performance on Thursday, defeating Mongolia’s Bolortuya Khurelkhuu in the semifinals to keep India’s gold medal hopes alive.
She began her campaign with a convincing 6-2 victory over Canada’s Laurence Beauregard in the pre-quarterfinals before progressing through the competition to reach the final.
FOLLOW NOW
