In a remarkable display of resilience and skill, Roshibina Devi Naorem of India secured the silver medal in the highly competitive wushu women’s 60kg event at the Hangzhou Asian Games. Her journey to this podium was fraught with challenges, including the absence of her teammates from Arunachal Pradesh, who were denied visas by China. Nevertheless, Roshibina’s performance shone brightly on the global stage, despite her defeat in the final to the local favorite, Wu Xiaowei of China, with a score of 0-2.
This marked Roshibina’s second Asian Games medal, following her bronze in the 2018 edition in Jakarta. India also celebrated its second individual silver medal in wushu at the Games, with Wangkhem Sandhyarani Devi achieving a similar feat in the 2010 Guangzhou Games within the same weight category.
In the gold medal bout, Roshibina displayed tenacity by attempting to seize her Chinese opponent’s leg, but the reigning champion, Wu Xiaowei, promptly countered her move. Wu earned the first point with a brilliantly executed takedown, securing a 1-0 lead in the first round. In the subsequent round, Wu sealed her victory with a precise attack on Roshibina Devi’s torso.
“I am elated to have won the silver medal, but I cannot help but feel a tinge of sadness for not attaining the gold,” Roshibina commented on her performance.
Roshibina’s dedication and determination were fueled by a desire to succeed for her three friends who were unable to participate due to visa issues imposed by Chinese authorities. These three athletes, Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega, and Mepung Lamgu, all hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, held a special place in Roshibina’s heart, with Onilu being her sparring partner.
Despite her sporting achievements, Roshibina’s thoughts often strayed to her family and the ongoing violence in Manipur, her home state. She regularly communicated with her parents, not to share her triumphs in the Games village, but to ensure their safety. Manipur had been plagued by ethnic violence for several months, and Roshibina’s parents, who are farmers, were actively participating in protests for the betterment of their village.
“I can do little more than distance myself from negativity and offer my prayers,” Roshibina expressed regarding her concerns for her family’s welfare. “My father joins the protests, while my mother often stands guard with others to protect our village from troublemakers. Our home is in close proximity to a police station, yet I’ve heard that even the police face threats in our area,” she added.
Roshibina’s silver medal victory not only symbolizes her personal achievement but also serves as a testament to her dedication to a sport that has yet to gain widespread popularity in India. Her unwavering spirit and triumph over adversity have left an indelible mark on the world of wushu and the hearts of those who witnessed her journey.
