New Delhi, Nov. 1 -- Tennis and wrestling may have very little in common but Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka has played a huge part in Manisha Bhanwala's journey - the first-ever female senior world champion wrestler. The 29-year-old Manisha, who won the Asian title last year, fought back from 6-0 down to beat American Abigail Nette 8-6 in the 59kg freestyle final at the World Wrestling Championships in Astana on Friday.

In the process, she became only the second Indian wrestler to claim a senior world crown after twice Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, who won the men's 66kg freestyle title in 2010. Competing at her fourth senior World Championships, it was Manisha's first-ever podium finish.

Her triumph lifted India's haul at the championshi...