Speaking on Wednesday ahead of the Indian contingent\u2019s departure for the Asian Games, Manisha said the level of competition across Asia leaves little room for complacency, even as she enters the event with the confidence of having won the continental title in 2025.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAsia is very strong. I can tell you about my weight category\u2026We have four strong girls. I can only tell how my body feels on the day of my bout,\u201d Manisha told IANS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 57kg wrestler has been preparing at the national camp, where the workload is closely monitored and adjusted to the physical demands of each session.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe are currently in the Indian camp, the preparations are good, and we\u2019ll hopefully get the medals. We train for 3 hours in the morning. Then we see how much load our bodies carry in the morning and we train accordingly in the evening, or based on the number of sessions we undertake the previous evening,\u201d she added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Manisha, however, is not travelling to the Asian Games merely to make up the numbers. Having already experienced continental success, she has set herself an even bigger target in her maiden Asian Games appearance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cMy goal is to win the gold medal. I have always wanted to win the gold medal. I was the Asia champion in 2025. I pray that I get to witness something like that again,\u201d she stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The wrestler also backed the wider Indian contingent to make an impact, citing the team's strength heading into the Games. \u201cThe Indian team is a very strong team. I hope that everyone gets a medal.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The preparation has also included work with Japanese coach Akaishi (Kosei), whose contribution, according to Manisha, has extended across several aspects of her training.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOur federation has given us very good coaches. For example, we have Japanese coach Akaishi. His style is already very strong. He has helped us a lot. He has helped us a lot in wrestling, fitness, and speed training. He has helped us a lot,\u201d Manisha mentioned.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Manisha, the significance of the Asian Games extends beyond her own medal prospects. Her performances have already inspired young girls in her village to take up wrestling, giving her another reason to strive for success in Japan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOur federation has given us very good coaches. For example, we have Japanese coach Akaishi. His style is already very strong. He has helped us a lot. He has helped us a lot in wrestling, fitness, and speed training. He has helped us a lot,\u201d Manisha mentioned.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
And for aspiring wrestlers following her journey, Manisha\u2019s message is rooted in consistency and commitment, as she said, \u201cDo your best every day. Do everything you can day in and out. It\u2019s not easy until you are serious about everything.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n