Nagoya: Indian wrestler Manisha Bhanwala is preparing for her Asian Games debut in Aichi-Nagoya with a new challenge ahead, having moved from the 62kg to the 57kg category. As she adapts to the new weight class, Manisha is also working on a significant change to her wrestling style by developing the ability to compete from both stances.

The wrestler has been focusing on improving her power and technique while adjusting her mindset to the demands of the 57kg category.

“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,” Manisha said.

Asian Games debut brings added excitement

Although Manisha has represented India for several years, the Asian Games will mark her first appearance at the continental event.

She said representing India at such a major competition carries special significance and that her immediate focus is to perform to the best of her ability.

“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. My target is just to give my best. Mentally, I am prepared, I am just keeping the pace on things and preparing myself,” she said.

Manisha’s approach to the competition has been shaped by years of dealing with setbacks, injuries and the pressure that comes with elite sport.

From fitness camp to international wrestling

Manisha began her wrestling journey in 2013 after her father sent her to a camp primarily to improve her fitness.

What started as an effort to become fitter gradually developed into a serious sporting pursuit as she discovered her potential in wrestling. The early pressure and self-doubt have also played a role in developing her mental resilience.

Manisha said she became considerably stronger mentally from 2021 onwards.

“When I started, I did feel pressure and I had doubts. But from 2021 onwards, I have become stronger mentally. 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,” she said.

Her philosophy centres on persistence, particularly when injuries or setbacks interrupt competition.

Training camps help sharpen her technique

Manisha credits India’s wrestling camps with helping her prepare for the demands of international competition. Training alongside other members of the national team, she said, provides an environment where athletes can learn from one another.

She has also benefited from the technical guidance of Japanese coach Kosei Akaishi, who is associated with the discipline at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS).

“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,” Manisha said.

The shift to 57kg has therefore involved more than simply adapting physically. Manisha has been working on her technique, power and ability to attack from either side while developing the mindset required for the new category.

IIS support remains important

Manisha has also trained at the Inspire Institute of Sport for a considerable part of her career and credited the facility with supporting her development.

“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 said.

IIS is a high-performance sporting facility that supports athletes across multiple disciplines through training, facilities and coaching.

Inspired by the next generation

Beyond her own competitive ambitions, Manisha said she is particularly encouraged when young girls take up wrestling after watching her journey.

She also enjoys coaching and interacting with young athletes, seeing it as another way of contributing to a sport that has played a major role in her own life.

“I like it when people from my village watch me. I like seeing young girls taking up the sport after me. Even as a coach, I love teaching and seeing kids. It feels good when you see someone coming into the sport after seeing you,” she said.

As she prepares for her maiden Asian Games appearance, Manisha remains focused on the work required to make the transition to 57kg successful. Her journey from a fitness camp in 2013 to representing India at a major continental event has been built around persistence and a willingness to keep improving.

“Mushkil toh bohot hota hai, but mehnat karne se sab ho jaata hai. Agar itna aasaan hota toh sab kar lete,” she said.