Who is Naorem Roshibina Devi? Meet the two-time Asian Games medalist

The Indian athlete won a bronze and a silver medal at the Asian Games 2018 and 2023 respectively.

Naorem Roshibina Devi, might not have been a widely-known name until yesterday, but the fight shown by the girl has certainly made her a household name in the whole of India. The 22-year-old clinched a silver medal at the Asian Games 2023 in the women's 60kg sanda wushu event. It was a tough journey leading up to the continental event after the violence her home state Manipur has witnessed in the last few months.

Even her preparations took a hit as her close friend and sparring partner Onilu Tega, one of the three athletes from Arunachal Pradesh was denied a visa by Chinese authorities to travel for the Hangzhou Games. However, Roshibina had the support of her coaches to ensure she was ready to win medals for the nation.

The Indian got a bye in the first round and in the quarterfinals she beat Kazakhstan's Aiman Karshyga by WPD (winner by point difference), securing a medal for her country. The fighter upped the ante in the semis by triumphing over Vietnam’s Thi Thu Thuy Nguyen. The silver is Roshibina's second Asian Games medal in wushu, to add to her bronze at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games. Let's know more about the fighter who stood up for the country.

Facts about Naorem Roshibina Devi

Early Life

Naorem Roshibina Devi was born on 30th December 2000 in Bishnpur district, Manipur. She hails from the Meitei community in Kwashiphai village adjoining Churachandpur, which is dominated by the rival Kuki ethnic community. The struggles of her father, who is a farmer and her younger brother Naorem Prioijit Singh, have provided the strength she needs in this obscure sport.

Interests in sports and venturing into Wushu

Like many young children in Manipur, Roshibina tried her hand at boxing when she was a child. But, when she watched Wushu at a district competition and decided she preferred that sport, her destiny was sealed. Wushu is a fighting style that combines aspects of boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and grappling.

Wushu Career

Earlier in her career she had already created a name for herself. In 2016, Roshibina finished third to win the bronze medal in the girl's 48 kg event at the World Junior Wushu Championships in Burgas. At the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, Roshibina demonstrated her prowess by placing third in her division and winning a deserving bronze medal. She was just 17-years-old.

She continued her professional career in 2019 by participating in the South Asian Games, which took place in Kathmandu-Pokhara. Roshibina triumphed in the 60 kg division, winning the coveted gold medal as her amazing skills shone beautifully.

Asian Games 2023 and Her Dedication

Months ahead of the Hangzhou Asian Games, the Manipur girl stayed at the Sports Authority of India hostel in Imphal to help her prepare for the quadrennial event. It was to keep her away from her family and also divert from the suffering her state people have been going through. She was dedicated to win for the people of Manipur.

She expressed her feelings after the finals, as she was quoted, "Manipur is burning. Fighting is going on in Manipur. I can't go to my village. I want to dedicate this medal to those who are protecting us and suffering there".

What's next for Roshibina Devi?

Roshibina Devi will again move to the Sports Authority of India hostel in Imphal because of the turmoil in her hometown. With the hope of peace returning to her state quickly, she will be preparing for the World Wushu Championships in the USA in November.