Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya:<\/b> India's first-ever gold medallist at the Senior World Championships in wrestling, Manisha Bhanwala, met Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya after her historic triumph in the women's 59kg category in Astana, Kazakhstan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
During the interaction, Manisha spoke about the emotional toll of the selection process and the dramatic comeback that earned her the gold medal. She revealed that she had struggled to sleep for 10 days after coming through the selection trials.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI came out of the selection game, sir. I couldn't sleep for 10 days, sir,\u201d Manisha told Mandaviya.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Recalling her performance in the final against Abigail Nette of the United States, the Indian wrestler acknowledged that she was trailing by six points before turning the contest around. \u201cYes, sir. I started again, sir,\u201d she said when asked about her response to the deficit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Asked how she felt after winning the final, Manisha again referred to the sleepless nights following the selection process, adding, \u201cBut sir, I was sitting on the left side, sir. I slept peacefully, sir.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mandaviya also recalled Manisha's previous visit two years ago and asked her, \u201cYou came here two years ago. Were you voting for me or not?\u201d <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Manisha replied, \u201cSir, I had gone to the World Championship.\u201d \u201cYes, I had sent you. So, what is my job? You shouldn't be unjust. You should be sent. All of you are my athletes. You are the athletes of my country,\u201d the Sports Minister said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Emphasising the importance of hard work and faith in one's efforts, Mandaviya invoked the Bhagavad Gita, quoting, \u201c\u0915\u0930\u094d\u092e\u0923\u094d\u092f\u0947\u0935\u093e\u0927\u093f\u0915\u093e\u0930\u0938\u094d\u0924\u0947 \u092e\u093e \u092b\u0932\u0947\u0937\u0941 \u0915\u0926\u093e\u091a\u0928\u0964.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIf Lord Krishna himself says something, it shouldn't be wrong,\u201d he said, before explaining the message: \u201cHave faith in your karma. You will get the result.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI wish all of you success,\u201d he added, to which Manisha responded, \u201cThank you, sir.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Manisha made history on October 30 by becoming the first Indian wrestler to win gold at the Senior World Championships. She defeated Nette 8-6 in the 59kg final after recovering from a 6-0 deficit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Indian had a difficult start to the bout, conceding four points before India's unsuccessful challenge handed Nette another point. A caution against Manisha extended the American's advantage to 6-0, but the Indian managed a stepout before the break to get on the scoreboard.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Manisha then mounted a remarkable comeback, scoring a takedown and adding another point after Nette's unsuccessful challenge. She followed it up with a two-point gut-wrench to level the scores at 6-6.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With Nette looking to defend her criteria advantage, Manisha produced a pressure takedown to move ahead 8-6 and held on to secure the historic gold.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier in the tournament, Manisha had defeated Canada's Laurence Beauregard 6-2 in the pre-quarterfinals before overcoming Mongolia's Bolortuya Khurelkhuu in the semifinals to book her place in the final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With Nette looking to defend her criteria advantage, Manisha produced a pressure takedown to move ahead 8-6 and held on to secure the historic gold.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Special Cricket Stories<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n