‘Tired of mental harassment’: Wushu star Divyanshi Choudhary breaks down after last-minute Asian Games drop

New Delhi: Wushu athlete Divyanshi Choudhary on Saturday accused the national federation of physical and mental harassment after being dropped from the Asian Games squad on medical grounds, asserting she was replaced despite receiving a doctor's clearance to compete in Japan.

Choudhary was initially listed in the seven-member wushu squad for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games released by the Sports Ministry on 22 August. However, on Friday, she was replaced in the women’s 60kg sanda category by two-time Asian Games medallist Naorem Roshibina Devi, with officials citing an ACL knee injury.

The Wushu Association of India (WAI) maintained that an MRI scan revealed a partial high-grade ACL tear accompanied by large effusion, prompting her removal.

"I am really fed up. I have been harassed so much mentally from June, July to now; it's September, I am being harassed, because she (Roshibina) wanted to go (to the Asian Games)," Choudhary said in a video circulated on social media.

"Why is she not letting anyone else go? I have defeated her (in the selection trial). I have the right to go to Asian Games," said a crying Choudhary, who originates from Kota and is currently training at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) in Patiala.

ALSO READ: Doping crisis hits India ahead of Asian Games 2026

During the video recording, Choudhary threatened to commit suicide, stepping towards the edge of the building terrace where she was standing and pointing to the ground below.

The WAI rejected claims of unfair treatment, insisting the decision to drop Choudhary was strictly medical.

In an official statement, the WAI claimed Choudhary admitted to sustaining an injury during the 2026 SCO Wushu Sanda Championship in Hubei, China, held from 24 to 29 June. Choudhary rejoined the national camp at NIS Patiala on 10 August after spending a month at home.

"On 14th August 2026, during training, she complained of pain, stating it was due to a hamstring issue, and did not train on 14th and 15th August. During training on 17th August, she again complained of hamstring pain and thereafter did light training for the next 2-3 days," the WAI statement said.

"Due to recurrent injury, the coach asked the player, and she informed that she had sustained injury during SCO event in China and she had informed her parents upon return. She spent a month at home and then joined training camp at Patiala."

The federation added that, following consent from her parents, an MRI was conducted on 23 August at Manipal Hospital in Patiala under the supervision of two team physiotherapists.

"The MRI report was shown to HPD of Sports Medicine of SAI on 24th August, and she referred the athlete to an Orthopaedic doctor at Manipal Hospital for further consultation. On further clinical examination and review of the MRI by the Orthopaedic Doctor and a medical officer, she was found to have a partial high-grade ACL tear with large effusion."

"Keeping the athlete’s health, safety and long-term sporting career paramount, the WAI, based on the medical advice and available medical reports, informed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), and Sports Authority of India (SAI) through email that the athlete had sustained an injury and had been medically advised to refrain from competitive activity and full training session till her recovery."

Choudhary further alleged that she had experienced prior physical harassment during national training preparations.

"You know, when our 10-day camp was held in Srinagar. They injured my shoulder forcefully. Because of that, I didn't practice for 4-5 days. Then, I recovered and went to play SCO event (in China). And I tolerated all this. In the first Dehradun trial, they forcibly defeated me. I have a video on my YouTube channel."

She contended that medical professionals informed her she could still compete using supportive taping.

"I had an injury. I showed it to the doctor. The doctor said, 'By taping, you can play easily'. I wanted to play. But my MRI reports, which were with my coach here and with the federation, went to them. And they have it. So, why? Why are my reports being sent?

"The doctor himself is writing in the prescription that this player can play. So, why is this not being accepted? And when you are taking such a big decision, at least inform the athlete. Shouldn't I have had the knowledge of all these things even once if you are removing my name.

"I also needed to tell my side (of story). This is not just. It's my big dream to go for Asian Games and win there for India."

PTI