Manisha Bhanwala discusses move to 57kg ahead of Asian Games debut in Aichi-Nagoya
Manisha Bhanwala will make her Asian Games debut in Aichi-Nagoya at the Asian Games 2026, which begin on September 19, and has moved down from the 62kg category to contest the 57kg division.
The 23-year-old said the change in weight class required adjustments to her physical preparation and technique. She has been working on strength while developing the ability to attack and defend from both stances: “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,” said Manisha.
Manisha described the Asian Games as a special occasion despite having represented India previously and said she was a little excited because it is her first appearance at the continental showpiece. “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,” she added. “My target is just to give my best. Mentally, I am prepared; I am just keeping the pace on things and preparing myself.”
Her wrestling journey began in 2013 when her father sent her to a camp to improve fitness, a start that gradually turned into a sporting career. She acknowledged early pressure and self-doubt but said her mental strength has grown since 2021: “When I started, I did feel pressure, and I had doubts. But from 2021 onwards, I have become stronger mentally,” spoke Manisha. “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.”
Manisha credited the national team training camps with sharpening preparations and singled out Japanese coach Kosei Akaishi for technical input, noting his role at the Inspire Institute of Sport. The article states Coach Akaishi “also serves as the discipline’s head coach at IIS,” and Manisha said his guidance has helped her adapt to the 57kg demands. “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,” stated Manisha.
She also described support from the Inspire Institute of Sport as important to her development, saying the institute provided for needs ranging “from supplements to training.” “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 expressed. Beyond personal goals, Manisha said she enjoys coaching and seeing young girls from her village take up wrestling: “I like it when people from my village watch me. I like seeing young girls taking up the sport after me,” she continued. “Even as a coach, I love teaching and seeing kids. It feels good when you see someone coming into the sport after seeing you.”
Manisha closed with a reflection on effort and determination as she continues preparation for the Games: “Mushkil toh bohot hota hai, but mehnat karne se sab ho jaata hai. Agar itna aasaan hota toh sab kar lete. (It is certainly very difficult, but with determination, anything can be achieved. If it were that easy, everyone would do it.)” The Asian Games 2026 begin on September 19 in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan, while wrestling events at the Games are scheduled to start on September 30, with Manisha set to make her continental debut at that tournament.
