Sanda World Cup: Indian Wushu stars Aparna Dahiya, Shivani strike gold

The Indian Wushu team delivered a strong performance at the 11th Sanda World Cup in Macau, finishing third overall.

Led by Aparna Dahiya and Shivani, the Indian team concluded its campaign with five medals, including two gold, one silver and two bronze, to finish behind China (seven gold) and Vietnam (three gold).

Aparna Dahiya clinched the gold medal in the women’s 52kg category, defeating reigning world champion Thi Phuong Nga Ngo of Vietnam in straight sets in the final.

Shivani, a head constable with the BSF, doubled India’s gold tally after defeating a Russian opponent with a dominant display of Sanda skills in the women’s 75kg category.

Aparna and Shivani had won silver medals at the World Wushu Championship in Brazil last year.

In the men’s 48kg category, Kushal Kumar fought valiantly against a Chinese opponent to earn silver.

Kareena and Sagar Dhaiya added a bronze medal each to take India’s tally to five at the championship.

A total of 110 participants from 21 countries and regions competed at the Macau event.

“Our players had an outstanding performance. We finished third behind China and Vietnam with 2 gold, a silver and 2 bronze medals. What was more impressive was Aparna and Shivani converting their world championship silvers into gold this time,” Kuldeep Handoo told The Bridge from Macau on Friday.

“Two of our medallists in the 52kg women and 56kg men are Asian Games probables. Our performance here gives us confidence about our chances at the Asian Games,” he added.

A total of six weight categories have qualified for the Asian Games, and the Wushu Association of India will conduct the selection trials in Kashmir from June 5 to 8.