Wushu
Wushu player Divyanshi dials down criticism of national federation after Asiad setback
Divyanshi was in wushu team for the Asian Games but was replaced by Naorem Roshibina Devi on the grounds that she had suffered an ACL tear.
Wushu Athlete Divyanshi Choudhary. (Photo Credits: Padampat Singhania School)
Wushu player Divyanshi Choudhary has dialled down her anger at the sport's national federation after being dropped from the Asian Games squad due to an injury, saying she fully supports the governing body in making a stronger comeback.
Divyanshi was included in the seven-member wushu team for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in the list released by the Sports Ministry on August 22. But on Friday, she was replaced by two-time Asian Games medallist Naorem Roshibina Devi in the women’s 60kg sanda category on the grounds that she has suffered an ACL tear.
In an earlier video, Divyanshi claimed doctors cleared her to participate in the Asian Games despite the injury, but in a fresh video, she accepted the decision by the Wushu Association of India (WAI).
"My federation made me understand that health is most important so I could win a medal for India in the future. 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.
"The federation wants me to fully recover from my injury and then return to action. I was not able to understand this. Even the Sports Minister (Mansukh Mandaviya) made me understand the importance of recovering from injury.
"My federation and SAI as well offered me full support. I will focus on my health and fitness and will be back in the ring soon. My parents also made me understand that I need to prepare for the next games and not think about this one," said Divyanshi.
However, she maintained that her replacement, two-time Asian Games medallist Naorem Roshibina Devi, harassed her and her family.
"Roshibina has harassed me and my family mentally and physically. I can't believe an athlete can stoop to this level. She has done this from June to now; she has been constantly harassing me and my family," added Divyanshi.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Bridge Desk. It is published from a syndicated feed.)