- By Samannay Sen
- Sun, 13 Sep 2026 04:19 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Divyanshi accepted the federation’s decision after Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya intervened.
- The wushu player said she now understands that her health and recovery must come first.
- She will target a return to competition and hopes to win gold for India at the 2030 Asian Games.
Indian wushu player Divyanshi Choudhary has accepted her exclusion from the Indian squad for the 2026 Asian Games after discussions with her federation, Sports Authority of India (SAI) officials and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
The 18-year-old, who was initially named in India’s squad for the women’s 60kg sanda category, was replaced by two-time Asian Games medallist Naorem Roshibina Devi after concerns over a knee injury.
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The Wushu Association of India (WAI) said medical assessments had revealed a partial high-grade ACL tear, leading to the decision to withdraw her from the squad.
In a new video posted on social media, Divyanshi struck a completely different tone from her earlier reaction and said she now understood why the federation had taken the decision.
Instagram “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,” she said.
Divyanshi Changes Her Stance
Divyanshi had earlier expressed deep disappointment after being removed from the Asian Games squad at the last moment.
Instagram In an emotional video recorded at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) campus in Patiala, she questioned the decision and alleged that she had been mentally harassed for several months. She also claimed that she had defeated Roshibina in the selection trials and felt she deserved the opportunity to represent India.
The situation drew widespread attention after the video circulated on social media. Divyanshi had insisted that she was fit to compete, while the federation maintained that medical advice pointed towards the need for rest and rehabilitation.
Sports Minister Steps In
Following the controversy, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also spoke with Divyanshi and helped her understand the importance of recovering fully before returning to competition.
“Even the Sports Minister (Mansukh Mandaviya) made me understand the importance of recovering from injury,” Divyanshi said.
She added that both the federation and SAI had offered her support during the process.
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“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.”
Divyanshi also revealed that her parents advised her to look beyond the immediate disappointment and prepare for future competitions.
“My parents also made me understand that I need to prepare for the next games and not thinking about this one,” she said.
The teenager is now targeting a return to full fitness, with her sights set on representing India at the 2030 Asian Games and winning gold.