18-Year-Old Wushu Athlete Divyanshi Threatens Suicide After Asian Games Snub
· Sports · India Today, NDTV Sports, Indian Express
Divyanshi, an 18-year-old Indian wushu athlete, has threatened suicide after being removed from India’s Asian Games squad just days before departure for Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. She alleges mental and physical harassment over months and claims she was unfairly replaced by Roshibina Devi, a 2022 Asian Games silver medallist, despite topping all five selection trials. Divyanshi’s coach, Ashok Gautam, disputes the Wushu Federation’s claim of an ACL injury, asserting her injury was minor and questioning the last-minute substitution. The controversy escalates as Divyanshi accuses Roshibina of deliberately injuring her during training. The Indian team is set to leave for the Asian Games on September 13, with no further updates on her status.
Why it matters
Divyanshi’s plight exposes systemic issues in sports administration, including unfair selection processes and mental health support for athletes. The controversy risks damaging India’s reputation in international sports while highlighting the need for transparent and equitable selection criteria. Athletes and their families face emotional and psychological tolls, and this case underscores the urgency of addressing these concerns in Indian sports governance.
Read the original report — India Today
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