India's Naorem Roshibina Devi settled with the silver in the women's 60kg Wushu Sanda at the 2023 Asian Games on Thursday, September 28 2023. The 22-year-old lost 0-2 to her Chinese counterpart Wu Xiaowei, who is the reigning champion. The Manipuri went one better from her 2018 Asian Games bronze medal with her performance in the 19th Asian Games.(Medal Tally | Schedule | Streaming | Full Coverage)
So, who is Naorem Roshibina Devi?
Born on December 30, 2000, Naorem Roshibina Devi hails from Kwasiphai Mayai Leikia in Bishnupur, among the worst-hit areas of the ongoing ethnic clashes in Manipur. On the eve of her final bought, the martial artist told ToI that she "always fears for the well-being" of her parents. I am a Meitei and we all know what's happening in Manipur... My village is one of the worst affected places. I always fear for the well-being of my parents. They are farmers."
The four-month-old ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki communities has engulfed the north-eastern Indian state.
Roshibina usually competes in the 60kg category in the Sanda discipline and her first ever international achievement came during the Junior Worlds in 2016 where she bagged a bronze medal. In the 2018 Asian Games Women's Sanda event, the Manipuri finished as runners-up to China's Cai Yingying. Her other achievements include a gold at the Moscow Wushu Star Championship in 2018, a gold medal at the Asian Junior Wushu Championships in 2017 and a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games.
With all the unfortunate news surrounding Manipur, Naorem Roshibina Devi could not control her emotions as she broke down post her final bout at the Asian Games 2023.
Speaking to a journalist, the martial artist said she hasn't seen her family since May this year but her coaches have helped her speak to them so that it doesn't leave her upset during trainings.
