Celebrations broke out in Siwaha, the native village of wrestler Manisha Bhanwala, even before Diwali as news of her gold medal at the Senior World Wrestling Championship in Kazakhstan reached home.
For her mother, Meena Bhanwala, watching the bout was an ordeal in itself. She sat down in front of the television only after her son persuaded her. “I was very scared. I kept asking my son whether Manisha’s bout was over. She also hoped the government would extend all necessary support for Manisha’s preparations. However, this victory carries a deeply personal significance for the family. However, the family stood by her, encouraged her and kept her spirits high, urging her to fulfil her father’s dream.
Her family members watched with bated breath as the 59kg final unfolded, and the joy turned emotional when Manisha came from behind to defeat American wrestler Elizabeth Nette 8-6 and claim the world champion title. Manisha’s father, Suresh Bhanwala, died of a heart attack in 2022, when she was away attending a programme, according to her family members. Manisha had thought of quitting wrestling after her father’s death in 2022, according to her mother.
She said that she was so nervous that she initially did not want to watch the match. He told me it had not even started. When he asked me to watch, I refused at first, but later agreed,” Meena said. “This is not just her victory; it is the victory of our family, village, district, state and country,” Meena said. Her next wish is to see her daughter win an Olympic gold medal, according to Meena.
Despite the personal loss, she continued to pursue wrestling.
Her mother said that she had fulfilled one of her father’s dreams with the world title, and that winning an Olympic medal remained her next goal, a second dream she wanted to fulfil.
Manisha’s journey in wrestling began in 2015, inspired by her elder brother Rinku Bhanwala, a kabaddi player. She started training at the sports school in Nidani and gradually made her mark through years of disciplined practice. She is currently employed as a junior coach in Rohtak and trains at Chhotu Ram Akhara.
