Manisha Bhanwala Scripts History, Becomes First Indian Woman to Win Gold at Senior World Wrestling Championships

Why in the News?

Indian grappler **Manisha Bhanwala** etched her name in sports history by becoming the **first Indian woman wrestler to win a Gold Medal** at the **Senior World Wrestling Championships 2026** in the 59kg category.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Thrilling Final Victory: Manisha staged a dramatic comeback from a 0-6 deficit to defeat USA’s **Abigail Elizabeth Nette** 8-6 in the high-stakes 59kg title clash.

- India's Medal Tally (4 Medals - All Women's Contingent):

- **Gold (1):** Manisha Bhanwala (59kg)

- **Silver (2):** Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi

- **Bronze (1):** Tanu Sharma (72kg)

- Historic Milestone: Prior to Manisha's historic triumph, India had never won a gold in women's wrestling at the global showpiece, with Anshu Malik (2021) previously holding the record for reaching the finals to secure silver.

- Men's Freestyle Result: Vicky Hooda (97kg) bowed out in the repechage against Iran's Hassan Yazdani, while Indian contenders in the 61kg, 70kg, 86kg, and 125kg categories exited in the preliminary rounds.

Static GK Facts:

- World Wrestling Championships:

- Governing Body: **United World Wrestling (UWW)**.

- Headquarters: **Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland**.

- President: **Nenad Lalović**.

- Indian Wrestling Milestones:

- First Indian ever to win a Gold at the Senior World Wrestling Championships: **Sushil Kumar** (2010, Moscow in Men's 66kg Freestyle).

- Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Headquarters: **New Delhi**.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Who has become the first Indian woman wrestler to win a Gold medal at the Senior World Wrestling Championships?

A: Manisha Bhanwala (59kg category)

Q: Whom did Manisha Bhanwala defeat in the 59kg final at the 2026 World Wrestling Championships?

A: Abigail Elizabeth Nette (USA)

Q: Who was the first Indian grappler to win a Gold medal at the Senior World Wrestling Championships?

A: Sushil Kumar (2010)

Q: Where is the headquarters of United World Wrestling (UWW) located?

A: Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland

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