ROHTAK, Nov. 1 -- Celebrations broke out in Siwaha, the native village of wrestler Manisha Bhanwala, even before Diwali as news of her gold medal at the Senior World Wrestling Championship in Kazakhstan reached home.

Manisha Bhanwal, 29, scripted history on Friday by becoming the first Indian woman to win a world wrestling title in Astana, fulfilling a dream her father cherished before his death four years ago.

Her family members watched with bated breath as the 59kg final unfolded, and the joy turned emotional when Manisha came from behind to defeat American wrestler Elizabeth Nette 8-6 and claim the world champion title. For her mother, Meena Bhanwala, watching the bout was an ordeal in itself. She said that she was so nervous that sh...