New Delhi: India’s wushu athletes have achieved a historic milestone at the ongoing World Wushu Championships in Brasilia, Brazil. Kareena Kaushik, Aparna Dahiya and Shivani Prajapati advanced to the gold medal rounds in their respective women’s sanda divisions, marking the first time Indian women have reached this stage in the competition.“This is surreal,” expressed one of the athletes, highlighting the exceptional achievement of the trio. Both Kareena and Shivani made their international competitive debuts, underscoring the significance of their performance on the world stage.The men’s team also delivered impressive results.Sagar Dahiya and Vikrant Baliyan progressed to the knockout stage in the sanda category, positioning themselves as strong contenders for medals.The achievements of these athletes ensured multiple medals for the Indian contingent, elevating the country’s status in the global wushu arena.Aparna, 21, from Haryana’s Sonepat, showcased aggressive combat skills to beat Indonesia’s Tharisa Dea Florientina in her 52kg category semifinal to advance to the final. She will face Vietnam’s Ngo Thi Bhuong Nga in the final late on Sunday night. Aparna is the cousin of Asian junior boxing champion Preeti Dahiya.“The feeling is surreal. It’s my debut Worlds and I have reached the final. I can’t wait to wear the gold medal around my neck. Previously, I won gold at the Asia Cup in China and silver at the Asian Championships in Macau, both in the 48kg category. But to secure a World medal will be huge,” Aparna, who works as an Income Tax officer, told TOI from Brasilia.In the 60kg category, Kareena relied on her strength and executed effective strikes to overcome local favourite Nathalia Briquesi Silva in her semifinal clash. She will face China’s Xiaowei Wu for the title. “I was 13 when I enrolled in wushu classes in school. I got inspired by my elder brother Hrithik, who is also a wushu player. I joined the sport to learn the art of self-defence and gradually developed a liking for the discipline. This is my first-ever international event and the maiden World appearance.
Poll
Who do you think has the best chance of winning gold in their final match?
“I spoke to my parents the other day and they told me to give my 100 per cent.“Initially, there was resistance from their side but now they are fully supportive of my sports career,” said the 21year-old from Haryana’s Jhajjar district. She works as a constable with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).In the 75kg division, Shivani stunned strong title contender Ekaterina Valchuk from Russia. She will meet Iran’s Shahrbano Mansouriyaan Semiromi in the final.“My journey started in 2016 during my school days. I am the first sportsperson from my family who has made it this far. It was my father who supported me and convinced the others in my family to allow me to compete in sports. I want to win the gold for him,” said the 22-year-old from Greater Noida’s Dadri village. She is employed with Border Security Force (BSF).
