India’s Wushu Queens Win Gold, Eye Historic Asian Games

Aparna Dahiya’s Inspiring Journey  

Being from Kharkhoda, Aparna started practicing Wushu in school when she was 11 years old. What started as self-defence training led to a successful sporting career. Aparna was supported by her parents throughout her journey as Wushu was not a mainstream sport in India. At 19 years old and through the sports quota, she obtained a job as an Income Tax Officer due to that commitment. Aparna took revenge by defeating reigning world champion Thi Phuong Nga Ngo in straight sets at the World Cup. Among her notable successes are:  
Gold in the Wushu Stars Championship 2022  
Gold at the BRICS Games 2024  
Silver at the Asian Championships 2024  
Gold at the Sanda World Cup 2025  

Shivani Overcomes Challenges to Reach the Top  

Shivani, who hails from Dadri, earned the second gold medal. She began Wushu during her school days because it was the only type of combat sport available. But her path was not a smooth one. Her family said that many people discouraged her from the sport, believing combat sports weren’t suitable for girls. Shivani stuck with it no matter how bad it got and the social pressures to keep up with her goal. Finally, through the sports quota, she earned a position in the Border Security Force, proving her critics wrong about her success.  

Eyes Set on Asian Games Success  

Having had outstanding results in Macao, both Aparna and Shivani are now aiming for a successful performance at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. While China has dominated Wushu for decades, India continues to make steady advances. Although the country has won 10 medals in earlier editions of the Asian Games in Wushu, it is still looking for its first-ever gold medal. Aparna and Shivani will be the face of India's ever-increasing elite in Wushu and will provide hope for this new cultural and national event to establish a national legacy in Wushu.