Indian wrestler Manisha Bhanwala opens up on her journey, goal & more ahead of Asian Games 2026
(Courtesy : Instagram/@manisha_bhanwala17)
Manisha will be competing in the 57kg category, moving on from the 62kg category
Indian wrestler Manisha Bhanwala is set to make her Asian Games debut, with a fresh challenge awaiting her in Aichi-Nagoya. The 23-year-old has made the significant switch from the 62kg category to 57kg, a move that has required her to fine-tune both her physical and technical game.
Alongside working on her strength and technique, Manisha has also added another dimension to her wrestling by developing the ability to attack and defend effectively from both stances.
“I used to play more from the right, but now I have started playing from the left as well. I am trying to work on both stances because I want to be comfortable playing from either side. I am working on my power and technique, but the main thing is also changing my mindset and adapting to the new category,” said Manisha.
Asian Games debut carries added significance
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For Manisha, the Asian Games carry added significance as this will be her first appearance at the continental showpiece. Having represented India at the international level for several years, Manisha acknowledges the added excitement of competing on a stage as significant as the Asian Games.
Yet, despite the magnitude of the occasion, her objective remains straightforward—to step onto the mat, give her best and make the opportunity count.
“I have been representing India for a while, but the Asian Games are special for India. Representing India is a dream for every athlete, so I am a little excited because this is my first Asian Games,” she added.
“My target is just to give my best. Mentally, I am prepared; I am just keeping the pace on things and preparing myself.”
Related: Asian Games-bound Sujeet Kalkal wins wrestling trials for World Championships 2026
Pressure and self-doubt gave greater mental strength
Manisha’s wrestling journey began in 2013, when her father sent her to a camp simply because she was unfit and needed to get fitter. What started as a way to improve her fitness gradually became something more as she realised that she could do well in the sport. The pressure and self-doubt she experienced early on have also given way to greater mental strength, particularly since 2021.
“When I started, I did feel pressure, and I had doubts. But from 2021 onwards, I have become stronger mentally,” spoke Manisha.
“Even when I get injured and cannot compete, I do have doubts, but I keep practising and keep doing it. Shiddat se kaam karo and dil se chaho toh kaise nahi hoga.”
Benefits from training camp, Japanese coach & IIS
Manisha also credits the Indian team’s training camps for helping her prepare, with the collective environment allowing athletes to learn from each other and bring out the best in one another.
The presence of Japanese coach Kosei Akaishi, who also serves as the discipline’s head coach at IIS, has provided another boost to the team’s preparations. Manisha, in particular, has benefited from his technical expertise as she continues to adapt to the demands of the 57kg category.
“I have been working a lot on my technique, especially because I am playing from both stances now. Coach Akaishi has also been helping us and teaching us a lot. The Indian team camps are very useful because we all learn from each other, and when we train together, it brings out the best in us,” stated Manisha.
She has also benefited from the backing of the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), where she has spent a significant portion of her career honing her skills and developing as a wrestler.
“I have been with IIS for quite a while, and everyone has really supported me. Whatever I have needed has been taken care of, from supplements to training. They have helped me in every aspect, and that support has been very important to me,” she expressed.
Related: A look back at India’s performance at Asian Games 2022
Wrestling on the rise
Beyond her own ambitions, Manisha is encouraged by seeing young girls take up wrestling after watching her journey. She also enjoys coaching and helping young athletes develop, giving her another way to contribute to the sport she has spent years pursuing.
“I like it when people from my village watch me. I like seeing young girls taking up the sport after me,” she continued.
“Even as a coach, I love teaching and seeing kids. It feels good when you see someone coming into the sport after seeing you.”
Hard work gives confidence
As she prepares to step onto the mat at her maiden Asian Games, Manisha remains firmly focused on the task ahead, drawing confidence from years of perseverance and hard work.
“Mushkil toh bohot hota hai, but mehnat karne se sab ho jaata hai. Agar itna aasaan hota toh sab kar lete. (It is certainly very difficult, but with determination, anything can be achieved. If it were that easy, everyone would do it.)” she concluded.
When and where are the Asian Games 2026 happening?
The Asian Games 2026 get underway in just three days (September 19, Saturday) in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan.
When do wrestling events at Asian Games 2026 take place?
Wrestling events at Asian Games 2026 start on September 30.
Has Manisha Bhanwala participated in Asian Games before?
No, Manisha will be making her Asian Games debut this time.
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