‘What A Fighter’: Shikhar Dhawan Hails Manisha Bhanwala’s Historic World Championships Gold

Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan congratulated wrestler Manisha Bhanwala after she scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win gold at the Senior Wrestling World Championships.

He praised her fighting spirit after a stunning comeback in the women’s 59kg final in Astana, Kazakhstan.

“From 0-6 down to becoming a World Champion! What a fighter, Manisha! You’ve made the entire nation proud. Congratulations!” Dhawan wrote on X.

From 0-6 down to becoming a World Champion! What a fighter, Manisha! You’ve made the entire nation proud. Congratulations! 🇮🇳🥇 https://t.co/Qlnlmd5Fo8

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) October 31, 2026

Manisha defeated the USA’s Abigail Nette 8-6 on Friday. She overturned a six-point deficit to secure India’s maiden gold medal in the tournament’s history.

Nette dominated the opening exchanges and built a 5-0 lead. She scored four points through a throw and gained another point after India unsuccessfully challenged the decision. A subsequent caution against Manisha extended the American’s lead to 6-0.

However, Manisha fought back before the break with a stepout point. She continued her attack in the second period and reduced the deficit with a takedown.

An unsuccessful challenge from the American corner gave Manisha another point and an opportunity to attack from the par terre position. She capitalised with a two-point gut-wrench to level the score at 6-6.

Manisha then executed the decisive takedown to take an 8-6 lead. She held off Nette’s attempts to recover and secured the historic victory.

Manisha’s route to the final included a 6-2 win over Canada’s Laurence Beauregard in the pre-quarterfinals. She then defeated Mongolia’s Bolortuya Khurelkhuu in the semifinals.

Her gold medal followed two other Indian women’s silver-medal finishes. Neelam claimed silver in the 50kg category, while Kajal finished second in the 76kg event.

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