Asian Games 2026: Roshibina completes hat-trick with a silver

Less than a fortnight ago, Naorem Roshibina Devi was preparing to watch the Asian Games on television. Having lost in the wushu trials for the quadrennial event, the two-time medallist had come to terms with missing out on a third foray.

On Thursday, the 25-year-old completed her hat-trick of medals, finishing with a silver after losing 0-2 to China’s Zhang Xiaoyu in the women’s sanda 60kg final. The medal not only vindicated her last-minute inclusion in the squad but also proved she had it in her to perform despite the controversies.

“It is not my position, whatever happened was not because of me. It was the decision of the federation, whatever decision they took I think was good. I will ignore it and focus on my goal,” Roshibina said after the final bout, refusing to get into details of her last-minute replacement.