Wrestling National Championships: Manisha Bhanwala learning the ropes in new weight category
At 28, Manisha Bhanwala, the 62kg Asian champion, has taken a bold decision to come down to 57kg in search of a medal in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
After competing at the World Championships in September, Manisha dropped down to 57kg. She beat a strong field in the Haryana State Championships before giving a solid performance in the National Championships to claim the gold and set herself as the leading wrestler in the competitive weight class.
“I competed in 62kg for four years and gave good performances. I feel I could not make it to the Olympics because of my height (five feet two inches) as I was not able to take proper positions,” Manisha told Sportstar.
“My coach (Mandeep Saini) had decided that irrespective of whether I won a medal in the Worlds, I had to change my weight. I was made to realise why I needed to change my weight. My coach changed my training, schedule and diet. It was not as difficult as I thought it would be. But after switching, the coordination between speed and power is less.”
Manisha was satisfied with her progress in the new weight class. “Mindset is the most important thing. It took me some time to adjust. In the Haryana State Championships, I had good bouts against World Under-20 medallists Neha (Sangwan) and Tapasya (Gahlawat). After winning the Nationals, I will get two Ranking Series. Then, the Asian championship is there before the Asian Games.”
Manisha, who began her wrestling career late, feels age is just a number. “Age affects those who do not take a good diet. Or who do not follow discipline. If you are disciplined, age does not affect.
“I had to set my salt and sugar intake right. Earlier, I was eating two meals a day. Now I have broken it down to five meals a day.”
For Manisha, LA28 is the ultimate goal. “The Olympics is the main target. I have a good team working with me and I feel I will get a medal in 2028,” said Manisha with a lot of confidence.
Published on Dec 15, 2025