Bhanwala becomes first Indian woman to win wrestling world title

India's Manisha Bhanwala became the country's first women's wrestling world champion after fighting back from 6-0 down to beat American Abigail Nette 8-6 in the 59kg freestyle final at the World Wrestling Championships in Astana on Friday.

The 29-year-old, who won the Asian title last year, became only the second Indian wrestler to claim a senior world crown after twice Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, who won the men's 66kg freestyle title in 2010.

Competing at her fourth senior World Championships, Bhanwala had never previously reached the podium.

Her triumph lifted India's haul at the championships to four medals, comprising one gold, two silvers and a bronze, with all four coming in women's freestyle events.

World Championships 2026 59kg Women's Wrestling Medal Results

🥇MANISHA 🇮🇳 df. Abigail NETTE 🇺🇸, 8-6

🥉Mariia VYNNYK 🇺🇦 df. Svetlana LIPATOVA 🇷🇺, 7-6
🥉Bolortuya KHURELKHUU 🇲🇳 df. Altyn SHAGAYEVA 🇰🇿, via fall pic.twitter.com/CJevp9mPrF

— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) October 30, 2026