Sabalenka, Ronaldo: Manisha Bhanwala reveals her sporting icons after historic gold

India's world champion wrestler Manisha Bhanwala draws inspiration from three sporting icons across disciplines: Aryna Sabalenka, Sushil Kumar and Cristiano Ronaldo. The 29-year-old revealed how their journeys have shaped her ambitions.Sabalenka, Ronaldo: Manisha Bhanwala reveals her sporting icons after historic gold (SAI Media)New Delhi,Nov 1, 2026 18:01 ISTFor Manisha Bhanwala, becoming a world champion was a dream she had written down countless times. But the Indian wrestler's journey to the top has also been shaped by the sporting icons she has looked up to, from wrestling great Sushil Kumar to tennis star Aryna Sabalenka and football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.Bhanwala, India's first-ever female senior world champion wrestler, revealed that the three athletes have inspired her in different ways, with Sabalenka's journey leaving a particularly strong impression on her."I have been following Sabalenka since 2022, when I entered the senior circuit. I believe that if we follow an icon, we can become an icon ourselves. I have learnt from her that history can be created through hard work and continuous focus," Bhanwala told reporters during an interaction organised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).The 29-year-old also spoke about her admiration for former world champion and Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, whose achievements and work ethic made a lasting impression on her. "First of all, Sushil pehlwan. He was known for his hard work. I have heard a lot about him from my seniors and have watched him closely. He has created history in wrestling," she said.Cristiano Ronaldo completes her list of sporting idols, underlining how Bhanwala draws inspiration from athletes across disciplines.SABALENKA HER INSPIRATION While wrestling and tennis may have little in common, Bhanwala has found inspiration in Sabalenka's relentless pursuit of excellence. Having followed the Belarusian since entering the senior circuit in 2022, the Indian wrestler believes the tennis star's work ethic offers valuable lessons."I have been following Sabalenka since 2022, when I entered the senior circuit. I believe that if we follow an icon, we can become an icon ourselves. I have learnt from her that history can be created through hard work and continuous focus," she said.FROM HEARTBREAK TO HISTORYBhanwala's own journey to creating history was far from straightforward. The wrestler admitted that missing out on a medal at the Asian Games earlier this year had taken a toll on her mentally, especially given how important the competition was to her.However, she had little time to dwell on the disappointment. With the World Championships just 10 days away, Bhanwala channelled her frustration into training and eventually produced the biggest performance of her career, winning gold in the women's 59kg freestyle category."It feels really good and I feel very proud. This year was quite tough for me mentally because we had the Asian Games this year. I was very disturbed because the Asian Games were extremely important, and for some reason, I couldn't secure a medal there."When I returned, I had a lot of frustration about why I could not win a medal there. After that, I had 10 days, so I practised continuously, and then came the World Championship."Somehow, I had a gut feeling that this time I would create history, and I did. The Wrestling Federation of India has also supported me and will continue to do so," she told PTI Videos.The 29-year-old's gold medal-winning performance was particularly remarkable given the circumstances of the final. Trailing American Abigail Nette 0-6, Bhanwala mounted a stunning comeback to clinch an 8-6 victory.She revealed that her opponent's aggressive approach eventually played into her hands, allowing her to turn the contest around and secure a historic triumph.EYES ON LA OLYMPICSHaving competed across multiple weight categories during her career, Bhanwala believes experience has helped her understand where she can be most effective. She has now set her sights on the 57kg category, which features on the Olympic programme, as she looks to build towards the Los Angeles Olympics."As we become senior, we gain more experience. Like earlier in 65kg I was junior. Then I realised I should play in 62kg. And then gradually I realised that maybe I can create history in the Olympics, so I chose 57kg," she said.Although the 59kg category is not part of the Olympic programme, Bhanwala believes competing against several wrestlers who also feature in the 57kg division will help her prepare for the qualification events."As for 59kg, many of the wrestlers there are already from 57kg. For example, the European wrestler with whom I had a bout has been a European champion, and she will be with me in the upcoming qualification rounds. So this became a plus point for me, and I feel that next year will be quite good for me."MANIFESTING HER DREAMSFor Bhanwala, the pursuit of excellence has also involved a strong belief in positive thinking and manifestation. The wrestler revealed that she has maintained several diaries in which she has repeatedly written down her ambitions, including the words 'World Champion' after every practice session."I have a lot of books behind me, and I can show you that I have written 'World Champion' after every practice session. I have filled so many books with these notes," she said while displaying her diary.Bhanwala also spoke about reading the book 'Manifest', which she believes has helped her understand the importance of controlling her thoughts and directing her energy towards a single goal."These books teach me how to control my mind. The energy we have should be used in one place rather than spreading it across ten different things. Reading makes my mind sharper and helps me think better," she said.- Ends