Sports minister intervenes in Wushu controversy, Divyanshi accepts Asiad snub

Wushu player Divyanshi Choudhary has dialled down her anger against the sport's national federation after the intervention of Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Divyanshi had threatened to kill herself in a video message after being dropped from India's Asian Games squad due to a knee injury.

However, an intervention from the ministry has meant that the teenage athlete has softened her stance on the criticism of the federation, stating that the body has helped her understand the importance of recovering from her injury.advertisement❮❯ Read Full StoryWHY WAS DIVYANSHI SNUBBED FROM ASIAD?Divyanshi was initially included in India's seven-member wushu team for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in the list released by the Sports Ministry on August 22. She was replaced on Friday by two-time Asian Games medallist Naorem Roshibina Devi in the women's 60kg sanda category after the federation cited an ACL tear on the left knee.

Divyanshi had earlier questioned the decision in a video, claiming that doctors had cleared her to compete at the Asian Games despite the injury. In a fresh video, however, the 18-year-old said she now accepted the federation's decision and would focus on recovering before returning to competition.

"My federation made me understand that health is most important so I could win 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," Divyanshi said in a new video.

"The federation wants me 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."

Divyanshi also said the federation and the Sports Authority of India had assured her of their support as she works her way back from the 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," she added.ROSHIBINA HAS HARASSED ME: DIVYANSHI

While Divyanshi has softened her stance against the federation, she has not withdrawn her allegations against Roshibina, who was brought into the Asian Games squad as her replacement.

Divyanshi accused the two-time Asian Games medallist of harassing her and her family, alleging that the behaviour had continued for several months.

"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 said.

The latest video marks a shift in Divyanshi's position after she had publicly expressed her disappointment at being left out of the Asian Games team. She now says her focus is on recovering from the ACL injury and preparing for the next opportunity, while her allegations against Roshibina remain part of the controversy surrounding her exclusion.

Roshibina, meanwhile, will represent India in the women's 60kg sanda category at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.- EndsPublished By: Kingshuk KusariPublished On: Sep 13, 2026 13:51 IST