'What a fighter': Shikhar Dhawan celebrates Manisha Bhanwala's historic gold at Senior World Championships

From a six-point deficit to standing atop the world podium, Manisha Bhanwala scripted a historic chapter in Indian wrestling with a stunning comeback victory in the women's 59kg final at the Senior World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan. Her remarkable triumph drew congratulations from across the sporting fraternity, with former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan leading the praise for the wrestler's fighting spirit.Manisha scripts history with stunning comeback in finalManisha produced an extraordinary turnaround against Nette on Friday, overturning a six-point deficit to secure an 8-6 victory and deliver India's maiden gold medal in the history of the Senior World Championships.The Indian wrestler endured a difficult start as Nette established a 5-0 advantage through a four-point throw and an additional point following India's unsuccessful challenge. A subsequent caution against Manisha extended the American's lead to 6-0, leaving the Indian with a mountain to climb.However, Manisha refused to surrender and opened her account with a stepout point before the break. She carried that momentum into the second period, executing a takedown to reduce the deficit.Another unsuccessful challenge from the American corner handed Manisha an additional point and an opportunity to attack from par terre. She capitalised with a two-point gut-wrench to level the scores at 6-6 before delivering the decisive pressure takedown to move ahead 8-6.Manisha then held her ground against Nette's attempts to regain the advantage, completing a memorable comeback to secure the gold medal.'What a fighter'Dhawan lauded Manisha for refusing to give up after falling 0-6 behind against the USA's Abigail Nette, eventually producing an 8-6 victory to become the first Indian to win a gold medal at the Senior World Championships.“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.Manisha's impressive run to the gold medalHer journey to the final was equally impressive. She began her campaign with a 6-2 victory over Canada's Laurence Beauregard in the pre-quarterfinals before overcoming Mongolia's Bolortuya Khurelkhuu in the semifinals to book her place in the gold-medal bout.Manisha's historic triumph also provided a major boost to India's campaign after the country endured disappointment in two other women's finals. Neelam in the 50kg category and Kajal in the 76kg category had to settle for silver medals.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.