"I Will Ignore It"- Roshibina Devi Breaks Silence On Selection Fiasco Ahead Of Asian Games After Her Silver Medal Run

Nagoya, Sep 24: Roshibina Devi continued her swing song at the Asian Games as she won her second consecutive silver medal at the continental tournament. The 25-year-old Roshibina scored a hat-trick of medals at the continental showpiece as she had won a bronze in the 2018 edition. This time, her silver came following a 0-2 defeat to Zhang Xiaoyu of China in the women's 60kg final here on Thursday.

Post her silver medal run, the 25-year-old Wushu athlete who competes in the Sanda division broke her silence on the accusations of unfair selection and said that she did not have anything to do with the same.

While speaking to news agency PTI after her final bout, the silver medalist said that what happened with Divyanshi Choudhary was not because of her. "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," Roshibina said after her final bout.

She further said that she will try to ignore the outside noise and just stay on track to focus on her goal. "I will ignore it (the accusation). I just want to focus on my goal," she said.

Roshibina Devi battled through the final with her right knee taped, a minor issue carried over from her semifinal. She also took a blow to the nose during the bout but insisted neither setback affected her focus.

"It is a minor thing (taped) from the semifinal bout. And, I don't know when it was hit. I do not know what pain is. I forget all the pain during fights," she said.

Asian Games Wushu Selection Controversy

Divyanshi, who defeated Naorem Roshibina Devi in the June Asian Games trials, was replaced after suffering a partial high-grade ACL tear. She accused the federation of favouritism and alleged harassment by Roshibina. The Wushu Association of India defended the decision, citing her MRI report.

The entire incident came down heavily on Roshibina's preparations ahead of the Asian Games. "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. When asked which are the areas Indian Wushu athletes need to improve, the girl from Manipur said that there is a serious lack of 'mental toughness' when it comes to facing higher-ranked opponents.

Roshibina believes this is an area that needs improvement and hopes her performances on the continental stage will inspire the next generation, particularly the promising juniors coming through the ranks to represent India.

"This is my third Asian Games medal. All wushu players hope that they will also get a medal. They want to win a medal like me. I want to inspire all the players. I want to be like them. I will do my best in the upcoming Games," Roshibina said.