Updated: Sep 24, 2026, 11:43 IST
Naorem Roshibina Devi’s Asian Games journey began with uncertainty but ended with another medal. The 25-year-old Manipuri wushu player won silver in the women’s 60kg Sanda category after losing 0-2 to China’s Zhang Xiaoyu in the final at the Aichi Prefectural Martial Arts Hall on Thursday.With the silver, Roshibina became the first Indian woman to win three successive Asian Games medals in wushu, following her bronze at Jakarta 2018 and silver at Hangzhou 2023.Asian Games Full Coverage | Schedule | Medal Tally
From controversy to the podium
Roshibina was not part of India’s original squad after losing the selection trial to Divyanshi Choudhary in June. Divyanshi was initially selected but was later withdrawn after the Wushu Association of India said an MRI showed a partial high-grade ACL tear.Divyanshi had alleged that she was being mentally and physically harassed and claimed Roshibina had been involved. The WAI rejected the allegations and said the squad change was made on medical grounds. The Sports Ministry subsequently approved Roshibina as the replacement.Roshibina, who learnt about her inclusion around September 10, said she wanted to move on from the controversy.“What happened was not because of me. It was the federation’s decision. Whatever decision the federation (Wushu Association of India) took, I think it was a good decision,” she said.“I will ignore it (the accusation). I just want to focus on my goal.”
Little time to prepare
Roshibina had been out of the national camp for around one-and-a-half months after losing the trials and travelled directly from Manipur after being recalled.“There was a lot of disturbance when I came here for the Asian Games. I did not get much time to prepare. If I had more time, I would have done better,” she said.Her coach Amit Pal also pointed to the lack of preparation, saying Roshibina had only limited training after being named in the team on September 10.Despite that, she defeated Bangladesh’s Shika Khatun in the pre-quarterfinals and Macao, China’s Chu Man Sin 5-0 in the quarterfinals before securing another Asian Games medal.Roshibina could not match Zhang’s aggression and technical superiority in the gold-medal bout. The Chinese fighter won both rounds unanimously, with all five judges awarding her 5-0 decisions.Zhang dominated the scoring in both rounds, particularly with her side-kicks.
India’s Naorem Roshibina Devi, blue, competes against China’s Zhang Xiaoyu in the in the Women’s 60kg Wushu match final (PTI Photo)
“She (Chinese player) is a new player, I have not fought against her. She was good in her side kicks. I also tried to defend. I tried to throw her, but she did better,” Roshibina said.The silver left her disappointed at missing gold.“I have won silver earlier and this time also, I could win only silver. I could not give the gold medal to the Indian people. I could not give what everyone wanted,” she said.Born in Kwasiphai Mayai Leikai in Manipur’s Bishnupur district, Roshibina’s journey has also involved considerable family sacrifice, with her farmer father Naorem Damu Singh selling a piece of land to fund her training and travel in the early years.Now, with three successive Asian Games medals, Roshibina has another target.“I want to inspire all the players. I want to be like them. I will do my best in the upcoming Games.”
