Controversy Erupts as Wushu Athlete Divyanshi Choudhary is Dropped from Asian Games 2026 Squad

Controversy Surrounds Divyanshi Choudhary's Omission

As India gears up for the Asian Games 2026, a significant controversy has emerged involving Wushu athlete Divyanshi Choudhary, who was unexpectedly removed from the national team, leading to serious allegations of mental harassment and misuse of authority against sports officials.

India's Asian Games Contingent

The Indian delegation for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, will comprise 508 athletes competing in 35 different sports. Among them, the Wushu team includes seven members, consisting of three men and four women, who are expected to vie for medals on the international stage. However, the situation has been marred by the controversy surrounding 18-year-old Sanda competitor Divyanshi Choudhary.

Divyanshi's Selection and Subsequent Replacement

Initially, Divyanshi secured her place in the women's 60kg Sanda category after excelling in the selection trials. However, she was suddenly replaced by Naorem Roshibina Devi, a two-time Asian Games medalist whom she had previously defeated.

Allegations of Mental Harassment

As the Asian Games approach, Divyanshi has become the focal point of a selection controversy. After being dropped from the team, she expressed her distress in a viral video, accusing the Wushu Association of India (WAI) of mental harassment and favoritism towards a more established athlete, Naorem Roshibina Devi.

In her statement, Divyanshi said, "I have been mentally harassed from June to September. I defeated Naorem in the trials, so why was there an issue? I was never given a chance to present my side to the association."

She further added, "Doctors have confirmed my fitness, yet I was not informed before my removal. I aspired to wear the India jersey and secure a gold medal for my country."

WAI's Justification for the Decision

The WAI has defended its decision, stating that it was based on medical evaluations. Reports indicate that Divyanshi was suffering from a high-grade partial ACL tear, which posed a significant health risk if she participated in a high-stakes event like the Asian Games.

Divyanshi's coach, Ashok Gautam, has publicly questioned the decision, highlighting that she had consistently ranked first in five selection trials over the past year and was the top athlete in her weight category.

Profile of Divyanshi Choudhary

Divyanshi Choudhary, an 18-year-old Wushu Sanda athlete from Kota, Rajasthan, competes in the women's 60kg category. She began her training at local facilities and quickly progressed through various competitions, eventually joining the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to hone her skills.

Her international career took off when she won a bronze medal at the 9th Wushu Junior Championships in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, in September 2024, marking a significant achievement in her young career.

In June 2026, she also secured a silver medal at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Wushu Tournament in China, further establishing her credentials by defeating Naorem Roshibina Devi in the national trials.

Future Prospects

Despite her impressive track record, Divyanshi's hopes of representing India at the Asian Games were dashed when she was removed from the squad on medical grounds. It remains uncertain whether she will be able to reclaim her position in the team amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding her last-minute exclusion.