New Delhi, September 13: Wushu player Divyanshi Choudhary has softened her stance over her exclusion from India's Asian Games squad, acknowledging the decision taken by the Wushu Association of India (WAI) and saying she will focus on recovering from her injury before making a comeback.
Divyanshi was initially named in India's seven-member wushu contingent for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in the list announced by the Sports Ministry on August 22. However, she was replaced on Friday by two-time Asian Games medallist Naorem Roshibina Devi in the women's 60kg sanda category after being ruled out with an ACL tear.
The development came days after Divyanshi had expressed her disappointment in a video, claiming doctors had cleared her to compete despite
the injury. In a subsequent video, however, the athlete said she now understood the federation's decision and had its backing for her return to competition.
"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.
Asian Games: Allegations Against Replacement Roshibina
While accepting the decision over her selection, Divyanshi continued to make serious allegations against Roshibina, claiming that the two-time Asian Games medallist had subjected her and her family to mental and physical harassment.
"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.
The 18-year-old will now turn her attention towards rehabilitation and fitness, with the 2030 Asian Games emerging as her next major target. She said the support from the WAI, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and her family had helped her reassess the situation.
Divyanshi's withdrawal marks a setback ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Games, but the wushu player is now looking to use the period away from competition to recover fully and return stronger.
