Divyanshi, an 18-year-old Indian wushu athlete, has reportedly threatened to take her own life following her last-minute removal from the Asian Games squad. This decision came just days before the team was scheduled to depart for Japan. In a nearly nine-minute video published on September 11, Divyanshi claimed she had been subjected to ongoing mental harassment and expressed that she could see no reason to continue living. Her place in the 60kg Sanda category has been taken by Roshibina Devi, who was the 2022 Asian Games silver medallist and had previously lost to Divyanshi in selection trials.

Reasons Behind The Removal

The Wushu Federation has stated that Divyanshi was taken off the squad due to a detected ACL injury during a medical examination, alleging that she had not been training adequately prior to the Games. However, her coach, Ashok Gautam, has strongly challenged this narrative, asserting that the injury was not severe enough to prevent her participation. Gautam has raised questions about the timing of the decision and the professionalism of the selection process, claiming the federation’s explanation does not hold up under scrutiny.

According to Gautam, Divyanshi was consistently the top performer in five selection trials over the preceding year, which should have solidified her position in the team. He alleged that the sudden removal has raised questions about Roshibina’s influence in securing her place in the squad, given her prior defeats during the trials.

The Wushu Federation insists that Divyanshi was concealing a knee injury and was deemed unfit to compete after medical evaluations. Gautam countered that this determination was unfounded and stated that medical advice indicated Divyanshi could still participate with proper taping.

Disputes Over Fitness Standards

Gautam further highlighted discrepancies in the selection criteria by questioning Roshibina Devi’s own fitness situation. He mentioned that Roshibina has her own history of ACL injuries and sustained a first-round loss at a recent international tournament in China, which raises concerns about her readiness for the Asian Games. Gautam alleged that Roshibina had not secured any national or international medals in recent years and did not meet the established selection criteria.

The controversy began to escalate when Divyanshi revealed in her video that she was not properly informed prior to her exclusion and was denied an opportunity to submit her medical documentation. Her grievances point to a breakdown in communication and transparency within the selection process.

Divyanshi alleged that she faced continuous mental harassment and expressed feelings of despair regarding her situation. She claimed that for months, she had been under significant emotional strain and felt that the treatment she received from her peers had been abusive. These distressing statements illustrate her emotional state and her dissatisfaction with how the situation has been handled.

Allegations Against Peers and Ongoing Efforts

In her video, Divyanshi accused Roshibina of deliberately injuring her during a training session, claiming that the incident affected her ability to train ahead of the Games. These serious accusations suggest a troubled atmosphere within the athlete community, casting a shadow over the competitive spirit expected in sports.

Despite the negative circumstances, Divyanshi’s camp has expressed intentions to appeal the decision through official channels in an effort to reverse the exclusion. However, with only a short time remaining before the contingent’s departure for Nagoya, it remains uncertain whether any successful action can be taken.

The unfolding situation has drawn attention to the systemic issues in the sports selection processes, particularly concerning athlete welfare and communication. As Days progress towards the opening of the Asian Games, the focus will likely remain on both the athletes involved and the governing bodies tasked with overseeing fair and equitable competition.

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