Divyanshi Chaudhary backtracks on WAI claims, reaffirms harassment allegations against Roshibina Devi
Divyanshi won’t be a part of the Asian Games
Wushu athlete Divyanshi Chaudhary has accepted her exclusion from India’s squad for the Asian Games 2026, days after she publicly alleged unfair treatment and harassment.
The 18-year-old fighter from Kota was named in the Sports Ministry’s list of competitors for the Games on August 22, but her name was missing from the updated list released on September 11. She was replaced by Naorem Roshibina Devi, a two-time Games medallist, in the women’s 60kg sanda category.
Divyanshi had suffered an ACL tear earlier this year. In an earlier video, she had claimed that doctors had cleared her to compete in the continental event. The claim sparked a public dispute with the Wushu Association of India (WAI), which maintained that her exclusion was due to an ongoing injury.
On Saturday, Divyanshi met with federation officials. Following the meeting, she posted a new video saying she now understood the reason behind the decision.
Related: Divyanshi Chaudhary controversy – WAI reveals reasons behind her Asian Games 2026 exclusion
Why did Divyanshi change her stand?
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In the video, she said the federation had explained that her long-term health mattered more than a single tournament. “My federation helped me realise that my health matters more right now, because staying fit is what will let me win medals for India down the line. I had thought they weren’t backing me, but I understand now that they are, and they’ll put that support behind me as I aim for gold at the 2030 Asian Games,” she said.
She also credited Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, her coach and her parents for helping her see the decision differently. “The federation wants me to fully recover from my injury before returning to action,” she said. “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,” she added.
Divyanshi maintains stance on harassment from Roshibina
Despite softening her position toward the federation, Divyanshi did not withdraw her allegations against Roshibina, the athlete who took her place in the squad. She accused Roshibina of harassing her and her family since June.
“What Roshibina has done to me and my family, both mentally and physically, is not something I ever expected from a fellow athlete. This harassment has been going on since June, and it hasn’t stopped,” she said.
Related: Asian Games 2026 – Full list of India’s contingent
Aims to return stronger
Divyanshi ended the video on a hopeful note, saying she will now shift her focus to recovery and aim for the 2030 Games. “There will be Asian Games four years from now. There will be more after four years. I will win the gold medal for India in all the Asian Games from 2027 to 2030,” she said. “I will do my best. I want to thank everyone.”
The 18-year-old also thanked her federation and supporters for standing by her through the controversy, and closed her statement by saying she wants to make history for India in the years ahead.
Why was Divyanshi Chaudhary removed from the Asian Games 2026 squad?
The Wushu Association of India cited her ongoing ACL injury and replaced her with Naorem Roshibina Devi in the women’s 60kg sanda category.
Has Divyanshi accepted the WAI’s decision?
Yes. After meeting the WAI officials, she said she now understands the decision was made to prioritise her long-term health and recovery.
Is Divyanshi still accusing Roshibina Devi of harassment?
Yes. She has maintained that Roshibina harassed her and her family, both mentally and physically, since June.
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