A major controversy has erupted in the Wushu circuit right ahead of the upcoming continental multi-sport event in Japan, involving national-level athlete Divyanshi Chaudhary. The player has accused the national sports administration of unfairly dropping her from the squad and subjecting her to severe mental and physical pressure, despite obtaining clearance from medical professionals.
Last-Minute Changes And Injury Claims
Divyanshi was initially named in the seven-member Wushu squad for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in an official list released by the sports ministry on August 22. However, a sudden reshuffle was executed for the women's 60kg sanda division, replacing her with two-time Asian Games medalist Naorem Roshibina Devi, with officials citing an anterior cruciate ligament injury as the primary reason for the swap.
The Wushu Association of India maintained that MRI scans revealed significant joint damage and fluid accumulation, leaving them with no choice but to bench the athlete. Venting her frustration in a video that surfaced online, the competitor claimed she was being deliberately targeted to clear the path for another individual to secure a spot at the prestigious tournament.
Athlete Breaks Down Over Squad Exclusion
Hailing from Kota and currently undergoing training at NIS Patiala, the distressed athlete questioned the rationale behind bypassing her despite winning the selection trials and earning the legitimate right to represent the nation. During her emotional outburst, she expressed extreme despair and even threatened to take her own life, moving perilously close to the edge of a building terrace.
The unfolding events and her protest gained widespread attention after a video clip was posted on X, highlighting the intense pressure and emotional turmoil surrounding the final selection process.
Federation Response And Official Stand
Refuting the harassment claims, the sports body maintained that the decision was taken purely on medical grounds after the athlete herself reported discomfort stemming from an injury sustained earlier during an international championship in Hubei, China. Records presented by the administration indicated recurring pain in her hamstring and leg muscles during August training sessions.
An official source from the sports ministry confirmed that the replacement procedure followed established administrative protocols, with the national federation having formally notified the Indian Olympic Association regarding the injury setback and the subsequent necessity to modify the contingent.
