A fresh twist has emerged in the ongoing controversy surrounding India’s women’s 60kg Sanda selection for the Asian Games. Divyanshi Choudhary, who was dropped from the squad at the last minute despite winning the selection trials, has now accepted the Wushu Association of India’s explanation that she was removed on medical grounds.
Wushu athlete Divyanshi softens stance on federation; renews harassment claims against Roshibina
While she has now softened her stance on the federation, the 18-year-old athlete has renewed the harassment claims against Roshibina. An MRI had revealed a partial high-grade ACL tear, and officials said she was advised against competing. The Wushu player has now dialled down her anger. In a new video, she updated:
"My federation made me understand that health is most important so I could win medal for India in the future.”
Divyanshi added:
“I was thinking my federation is not with me but I have now understood they are with me and will channelise their support to win gold in the 2030 Asian Games.”
In a new statement, Divyanshi said she understands the decision after speaking with federation officials and is focusing on recovery. However, she reiterated serious allegations against two-time Asian Games medallist Roshibina Devi, accusing the senior athlete of mentally and physically harassing her and her family over several months.
As Divyanshi said the federation and the Sports Authority of India are with her as she plans to recover from her injury, she stated that Roshibina harassed her. She said:
"Roshibina has harassed me and my family mentally and physically. I can't believe an athlete can stoop to this level. She has done it from June to now; she has been constantly harassing me and my family.”
Divyanshi had earlier posted an emotional video expressing distress at her exclusion and claiming bias in favour of Roshibina, whom she defeated in the trials. She has also thretatedned of self harm in the video, which went viral on the internet.
The federation maintained that the change was purely medical and that the original runner-up was also unavailable due to injury. The incident has drawn attention to selection transparency and athlete welfare in Indian combat sports ahead of the Games. On the other hand, Roshibina will be representing the country at the Asian Games in the women's 60kg sanda category.
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