Asian Games: Roshibina Devi assures medal in wushu, Bhanu Pratap progresses
The 2018 Jakarta Asian Games bronze medallist beat her Kazakh opponent to reach the semi-finals, which assured her for a medal in Hangzhou
India was assured of a medal from unexpected quarters on Monday as Naorem Roshibina Devi qualified for the wushu semi-finals in women’s 60 kg (Sanda or combat) at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
She defeated Aiman Karshyga of Kazakhstan through points difference to progress to the last four, which will ensure India at least a bronze medal. Roshibina, who won bronze in the last edition, will take on Nguyen T of Vietnam in the semi-finals.
Wushu was in the news for all the wrong reasons as three players from Arunachal Pradesh were blocked by China leading to India lodging a strong protest with the Chinese authorities.
The three women players -- - Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega and Mepung Lamgu -- are from Arunachal Pradesh, which is claimed by China. The players did receive their accreditation cards from Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (HAGOC) but could not download their travel documents during the day of their travel.
As a mark of protest, union sports minister Anurag Thakur cancelled his scheduled visit to the Asian Games.
In the men’s section, Surya Bhanu Partap Singh made it to the quarterfinals after getting the better of Islombek Khaydarov of Uzbekistan in the 60kg category in Sanda.
In men’s 65 kg category, Vikrant Baliyan lost in the pre-quarters to Samuel Marbun of Indonesia 1-2.
