India's first female senior world champion wrestler, Manisha Bhanwala, shares how her disappointment at the Asian Games earlier this year motivated her to clinch gold at the World Championships. She discusses her strategic shift to the 57kg category for the Olympics, her inspirations including Aryna Sabalenka, and her belief in manifestation through journaling to achieve her goals.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has issued a strict anti-doping advisory after several Indian wrestlers, including two Asian Games selections, were implicated in doping and whereabouts violations. The cases, involving substances like Mephentermine and Stanozolol, have led to exclusions from major competitions and highlight a lack of awareness among athletes regarding anti-doping rules and personal responsibility.
Nitesh Siwach stormed into the Asian Games 97kg Greco-Roman final with a 9-0 win, moving one victory away from India's first gold in the style since 1962.
Indian wrestling coach Virender Dahiya and wrestler Antim Panghal have expressed strong confidence in the national team's preparation and potential for the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Dahiya believes the team will significantly improve on its previous medal tally, while Panghal highlights the strong team cohesion and gold medal aspirations. The squad features a mix of experienced and young talent, aiming to overcome strong regional competitors.
Greco Roman wrestler Deepak has failed a dope test, leading to his withdrawal from the Asian Games contingent. This marks the third doping case for Indian wrestling ahead of the continental event, further reducing India's representation. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) found clomifene in his sample, a prohibited substance. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) decided to withdraw him to avoid potential penalties from the world governing body.
At 17, Dipanshi is set to make her Asian Games debut in wrestling, bringing a unique life philosophy that prioritises being a good person over just athletic success. Despite lacking senior-level experience, the three-time Asian championship gold medallist is embracing the challenge with curiosity, learning from top competitors and Japanese coaching, while aiming to forge her own identity in the sport.
Manisha Bhanwala has made history by becoming India's first woman World Champion in wrestling, securing a gold medal in the women's 59kg final at the World Championships. She achieved a remarkable comeback, overcoming a six-point deficit against American Abigail Nette to win 8-6 on Friday. This triumph marks a significant milestone for Indian wrestling, following only legendary Sushil Kumar's feat in 2010.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated the Indian women's hockey team for winning the gold medal at the Asian Games 2026, ending a 44-year wait and securing a direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He also extended congratulations to other Indian medal winners in boxing, wrestling, and archery, highlighting India's strong performance at the Games.
Indian women wrestlers concluded their campaign at the U23 World Wrestling Championships with two medals. Amruta Pujari secured a silver in the 72kg category, while Komal won a bronze in the 59kg division. The men's freestyle team, however, had a disappointing outing, failing to reach any medal rounds.
Former Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has called for the inclusion of popular sports like arm wrestling and Mallakhamb in the Olympics, citing their growing global popularity. His remarks came during the opening of the 47th WAF World Armwrestling Championship in New Delhi, an event also attended by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who pledged full government support.
The Indian women's wrestling contingent achieved significant success at the U-20 World Wrestling Championship in Bratislava, securing three medals. Mansi Lather earned a silver medal in the 68kg category, while Tanvi Magdum (57kg) and Komal (59kg) each contributed with bronze medals, showcasing India's growing prowess in junior wrestling.
Indian wrestler Nisha Dahia has transformed her mindset, moving past repeated injury setbacks and frustrations to focus on her performance at the Asian Games. After years of questioning her fate, she now embraces a mature outlook, concentrating on hard work and accepting outcomes. Her training with Japanese coach Kosei Akaishi has also enhanced her technical skills, particularly in ground wrestling, making her a more complete athlete as she aims for a major medal.
Amit Sheoran, a 31-year-old former national-level wrestler wanted in an alleged major opium smuggling case, has been arrested after being on the run since 2023, police said.
There is a heartbreaking sincerity in the way Sumo Didi presents its protagonist and her story of courage. But there's a fine line between a sincere underdog story and a banal one, and the film never quite finds it, notes Mayur Sanap.
A Delhi court on Monday acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar in a sexual harassment case filed by women wrestlers.
World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat announced that women wrestlers will appeal a Delhi court's decision to acquit former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar in a sexual harassment case. Phogat expressed deep sadness over the verdict and alleged that Singh used his influence to intimidate complainants, but affirmed the wrestlers' resolve to continue their fight for justice.
India's first woman Senior World Wrestling Championships gold medallist, Manisha Bhanwala, attributes her mental toughness and success to the rigorous schedule and international exposure gained from the Pro Wrestling League (PWL). She highlights how PWL's back-to-back bouts and shared training with global stars prepared her for high-pressure situations, especially after her Asian Games disappointment. Manisha also looks forward to PWL Season 6 for Olympic qualification practice and believes the league helps popularise wrestling's technical aspects.
Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal secured a gold medal at the Asian Games, overcoming an Olympic champion and a significant deficit in the final bout. His victory, marked by an extraordinary comeback, has fueled his belief in contending for an Olympic medal in 2028, showcasing his fearless mindset and determination.
Manisha Bhanwala became India's first woman wrestling world champion, dedicating her historic gold medal victory to her late father, Suresh, whose dream it was for her to achieve this feat. Her journey was marked by personal tragedy and immense resilience, culminating in a powerful display of dedication.
The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) is set to kick off its sixth season from January 9 to 26 next year in New Delhi, featuring 86 grapplers, including 34 international medallists. Six franchises will compete across Olympic weight categories, with Indian Asian Games medallists and Japanese Olympic champion Yui Susaki among the participants.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated India's Asian Games medallists, praising their outstanding performances and specifically highlighting the women's hockey team's gold medal win after over four decades. India secured a strong position in the medals tally with a six-gold haul on the penultimate day, with Modi acknowledging individual achievements in wrestling, boxing, archery, sepaktakraw, and sailing.
India's men's freestyle wrestlers endured a tough day in the field as all five in action on Saturday bowed out of the Asian Championships.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha and several Olympic medallists are among 27 former athletes contesting for eight Sportspersons of Merit (SOMs) positions. These elected SOMs will become members of the IOA General Assembly and will be eligible to vote in the December 5 polls for the new Executive Council. The virtual election for SOMs is scheduled for November 9, with scrutiny of nominations on November 3 and the final list of candidates on November 7.
Indian wrestlers Tanu Sharma and Neelam Sirohi, who secured bronze and silver respectively at the Senior World Wrestling Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, share their experiences, challenges, and future aspirations. Tanu discusses overcoming injuries and her dream of representing India, while Neelam reflects on years of perseverance and her goal for Olympic qualification. Both athletes were warmly welcomed upon their return to India.
Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia urged world governing body UWW to reimpose suspension on Wrestling Federation of India.
Asian Games gold medallist Aman Sherawat expresses strong confidence in winning an Olympic wrestling gold medal at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Having defeated a world champion in the Asian Games, he believes he can achieve what no other Indian wrestler has done, despite the challenges of the competitive 57kg category and past weight issues. He plans to continue training with foreign coaches to fine-tune his techniques.
Indian Greco Roman wrestler Sunil Kumar made a strong start at the Asian Games, advancing to the men's 87kg semifinals with a dominant technical superiority victory.
Asian Games silver medallist Deepak Punia discusses the impact of the wrestlers' protest on his career and his aspirations for the upcoming Asian Games.
Indian athletes are set for a busy day at the Asian Games on September 30, with competitions across various disciplines including archery, boxing, cycling, golf, judo, sailing, shooting, squash, tennis, and wrestling. Several medal opportunities and crucial semifinal matches await the contingent.
Indian wrestler Antim Panghal, a two-time senior World medallist and U-20 world champion, expresses her ambition to create records that will never be broken. She reveals her motivation stems from her family and coaches, not personal glory, and discusses her evolving strategy and rigorous preparation for upcoming competitions.
Indian wrestlers delivered a strong performance at the Budapest Ranking Series, securing a total of 12 medals.
Nitesh Siwach, a 23-year-old Greco-Roman wrestler from Haryana, secured a silver medal at the Asian Games in Japan. His journey is remarkable, having worked as a milkman for two years after a knee operation before returning to wrestling. He hopes for Greco-Roman wrestling to be included in the Pro Wrestling League.
Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra has announced he will not contest for a position on the Indian Olympic Association's Executive Board, despite being on the list of Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit eligible for the upcoming elections on December 5. Bindra also shared his views on India's performance at the recent Asian Games and the record-breaking success at the Asian Para Games.
The Asian Games, a major multi-sport event, has a long history of controversies extending beyond the sporting arena. From diplomatic disputes and selection rows to doping scandals and disputed decisions, these incidents have often highlighted the intersection of politics, national interests, and sports.
Mohammad Yunus Khan, a renowned athletics coach who mentored star long-distance runners like Gulveer Singh and Kartik Kumar, has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for alleged 'complicity' in an anti-doping rule violation. Khan, a coach at the Army Sports Institute, faces charges under Article 2.9 of NADA rules, though the exact nature of his offence remains undisclosed. The suspension highlights ongoing efforts against doping in Indian sports, with several other athletes also recently provisionally suspended.
India's wrestling campaign at the Asian Games will be spearheaded by Sujeet Kalkal, Antim Panghal, and Aman Sehrawat, all of whom face challenging draws. Sujeet is in red-hot form but could meet Olympic champion Kotaro Kiyooka, while Antim Panghal eyes a strong performance against Zhang Jin. Olympic medallist Aman Sehrawat also has a tough path, potentially facing another Olympic medallist early on. The wider Indian contingent also features medal hopefuls across freestyle, women's, and Greco-Roman categories.
This article provides a comprehensive schedule for Indian athletes participating in various disciplines at the Asian Games on October 1, including archery, cricket, hockey, wrestling, and more, detailing their qualification rounds, semi-finals, and potential medal matches.
This week's OTT releases offer a diverse selection, from the Tamil drama Dorothy to the live-action Moana, alongside Telugu thrillers, Korean cooking shows, and Hindi biopics, ensuring there's something for every viewer.
Veteran Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat lauded the nation's youth as the 'force that shapes the future' following Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation amidst the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, stating that 'democracy won and fear lost'.
Archer Kumkum Mohod and wrestler Sujeet Kalkal have been named the first recipients of the Jaspal Rana Award and Raja Randhir Singh Award, respectively, by the Indian Olympic Association. These awards recognise their exceptional performances at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, where Mohod secured two archery golds and Kalkal won gold in wrestling.
