Indian wrestler Manisha Bhanwala etched her name in history by winning the gold medal in the women’s 62kg freestyle category at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2025 in Amman, Jordan. This victory marks India’s first women’s freestyle wrestling gold at the continental event since 2021.
In a thrilling final, Manisha staged a stunning comeback to defeat North Korea’s Kim Ok-ju 8-7. Her achievement has been celebrated across the nation and is seen as a testament to her perseverance and skill.
A Golden Comeback for India
Manisha Bhanwala’s journey to gold was nothing short of extraordinary. The 25-year-old wrestler from Rohtak, Haryana, showcased immense grit and determination as she overturned a 2-7 deficit against North Korea’s Kim Ok-ju in the final moments of the bout, securing an 8-7 victory. Reflecting on her win, Manisha said, “This gold is not just mine—it belongs to every Indian who believed in me.”
Her coach Mandeep Singh added, “Manisha’s dedication and hard work have paid off. She is now an inspiration for young wrestlers.” This victory follows her consistent performances over the years, including three bronze medals at the Asian Championships between 2022 and 2024.
From Bronze to Gold: A Story of Perseverance
Manisha’s path to gold was marked by years of hard work and resilience. She began her campaign in Amman with a dominant victory over Kazakhstan’s Tynys Dubek via technical superiority. She continued her winning streak by pinning South Korea’s Hanbit Lee in the quarterfinals and defeating Kyrgyzstan’s reigning champion Kalmira Bilimbek Kyzy in the semi-finals.
Her triumph breaks India’s four-year drought in women’s freestyle wrestling gold medals at the Asian Championships—a feat last achieved by Vinesh Phogat and Sarita Mor in 2021.
The Making of a Champion: Manisha’s Background
Born in Rohtak, Haryana, Manisha began wrestling at a young age to lose weight at her father’s suggestion. Over time, she discovered her passion for the sport and honed her skills through rigorous training at Haryana’s wrestling academies. She first gained international recognition by winning gold at the 2016 South Asian Games (60kg category).
Since then, she has consistently performed on global platforms, securing bronze medals at three consecutive Asian Wrestling Championships (2022 Mongolia, 2023 Astana, and 2024 Bishkek). Despite setbacks like her loss at the 2023 World Wrestling Championships in Belgrade, Manisha has continued to rise as one of India’s most formidable wrestlers.
Wrestling Community Celebrates
Manisha’s triumph has sparked celebrations across India’s wrestling community. Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh expressed his pride over her achievement, stating, “Manisha has made us all proud today. Her victory is a milestone for Indian wrestling and will inspire many young girls to take up this sport.”
Social media platforms have been flooded with congratulatory messages for Manisha, with hashtags like #GoldenGirl trending nationwide. Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia tweeted: “Manisha has shown us what true determination looks like. Congratulations on this historic win!”
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Manisha Bhanwala’s success is not just a personal milestone but a symbol of hope for women across India aspiring to excel in sports despite societal barriers. Her journey highlights how perseverance, mentorship, and grassroots development can nurture exceptional talent capable of competing on global stages.
As we celebrate this proud moment for Indian wrestling, it is crucial to reflect on how we can collectively contribute to fostering an environment where more women can thrive in sports. What steps can we take to ensure that stories like Manisha’s become more common? How can we encourage families to support their daughters’ dreams? Share your thoughts below!
