India's Wushu Athlete Divyanshi Chaudhary Threatens Self-Harm After Asian Games 2026 Snub
Indian Wushu athlete Divyanshi Chaudhary, 19, has reportedly threatened suicide after a shocking exclusion from the national squad for the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Dropped just days before her scheduled departure, she cited mental harassment and an 'abuse of power' despite winning selection trials.
Indian Wushu athlete Divyanshi Chaudhary, a 19-year-old sensation from Kota, has been controversially excluded from the national squad for the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, leading her to reportedly threaten suicide. The athlete's heartbreaking revelation comes just days before the multi-sport event's official opening, sparking a massive outcry and allegations of mental harassment and an 'abuse of power' within the Wushu Association of India (WAI). Indian Hockey Team to Return to Iconic Blue Jersey for Asian Games 2026 After Saffron Kit Controversy.
Divyanshi Chaudhary Threatens Self-Harm
भारतीय खिलाड़ी दिव्यांशी चौधरी ने आत्महत्या करने की बात कही है।
वुशु खिलाड़ी दिव्यांशी चौधरी का नाम जापान एशियन गेम्स 2026 से आखिरी वक्त में काट दिया गया। जून में टीम में जगह और जर्सी मिलने के बाद 11 सितंबर के अपडेट में जगह नाओरेम रोशिबीना देवी को दे दी गई। टीम से गलत तरीके से… pic.twitter.com/kXXGhv3qzH
— Madan Mohan Soni (@madanmohansoni) September 11, 2026
Chaudhary's exclusion is particularly contentious as she had secured her place in the women's 60kg sanda category by defeating two-time Asian Games medallist Naorem Roshibina Devi in the selection trials held earlier this year. Despite her triumph, and having already received her official Asian Games kit, secured flight tickets, and attended the Indian Olympic Association's send-off ceremony in New Delhi, her dreams have been shattered.
Medical Unfitness vs Allegations of Bias
Reports suggest that Sports Authority of India (SAI) has officially cited medical unfitness as the reason for Divyanshi's last-minute removal. According to WAI CEO Suhel Ahmed, Chaudhary was declared medically unfit after a medical assessment during the national camp, reportedly due to a ligament issue. "She was deemed medically unfit. She has some ligament issue or something. SAI had done a medical test on her during the camp," Ahmed stated. "We had high hopes from our side. She is a really good player and it's a bit of a shock for us. To be injured at the last minute, it's obviously sad. But going by the rules, we can't send injured players," he added. Asian Games 2026 Cricket Venue: What We Know About Controversial Korogi Sports Park.
However, Divyanshi vehemently disputes this claim, alleging that the decision is a direct consequence of sustained pressure and a calculated move to include Roshibina Devi in her place.'I'm really helpless. I'm tired of this, I don't see the point of living... I have been mentally harassed so much," Divyanshi said in a distraught statement. "Since June, July, they have been after me because she (Roshibina) wanted to go. Given that I beat her, why is it a problem for her now? I beat her (trials), it's my right to go there (Japan). She has been knocking at different doors...it's abuse of power.'
The Asian Games 2026 Context
The 20th Asian Games, officially known as Aichi-Nagoya 2026, are set to commence from September 10 to October 4, 2026, across Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan. While the opening ceremony is scheduled for September 19 at Paloma Mizuho Stadium, competitions in various sports, including some Wushu events, began as early as September 10. Neeraj Chopra to Miss Asian Games 2026 After Season-Ending Ankle Injury.
India's Wushu team selection process for these games began in August 2025 with trials, followed by ranking tournaments every two months until June 2026, with the final squad being decided based on cumulative performance. The abrupt change in the squad composition so close to the event, especially involving a direct replacement who was defeated in trials, raises serious questions about transparency and athlete welfare.
The Wushu Association of India is yet to provide a more detailed clarification regarding the alleged medical condition and the contentious reversal of the trial results, as calls for an independent inquiry into Divyanshi Chaudhary's allegations intensify. This incident casts a dark shadow over India's preparations for the prestigious continental event.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:
Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – + 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 12, 2026 01:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
