Divyanshi Chaudhary threatens self-harm after Asian Games removal

Indian wushu athlete Divyanshi Chaudhary has reportedly threatened self-harm following her last-minute removal from the national squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The 19-year-old athlete had previously secured her position in the women’s 60kg sanda category by defeating two-time Asian Games medallist Naorem Roshibina Devi in selection trials. Despite having received her official kit and flight tickets, she was replaced by Devi just days before the team's scheduled departure.

The Wushu Association of India and the Sports Authority of India have cited medical unfitness, specifically a detected ACL injury, as the reason for her exclusion. They alleged that Chaudhary had not been training adequately and had concealed the injury.

However, Chaudhary’s coach, Ashok Gautam, has challenged these claims, stating the injury was not severe enough to prevent competition and that the athlete could have participated with proper taping. Gautam raised concerns regarding the professionalism of the selection process and the timing of the decision, suggesting potential bias in favor of Roshibina Devi. In a video released on September 11, Chaudhary expressed feelings of mental harassment and stated she saw no reason to continue living.