Good News
Manisha Bhanwala becomes India's first woman world wrestling champion, winning 59 kg gold in Astana
She came back from 6-0 down to beat the USA's Abigail Nette 8-6 in the final on 30 October.
In short
8-6comeback win after trailing 6-0
- Gold in 59 kg, Astana (30 Oct 2026)
- Beat Abigail Nette (USA) 8-6
- India: 1 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze
The final
Manisha Bhanwala won gold in the 59 kg freestyle category at the World Wrestling Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, on 30 October. She was 6-0 down against reigning Pan American champion Abigail Nette of the USA before winning 8-6. Reports describe her as the first Indian woman to win a world title, and only the second Indian after Sushil Kumar to win a senior world title.
India's haul
India finished with four medals, all in women's freestyle: one gold, two silver and one bronze. The 59 kg class is not an Olympic weight, as Bhanwala moved there for these Championships.
