Naorem Roshibina Clinches Prestigious Title: Named 'Female Wushu Athlete of the Year 2023'
In a moment of pride for Manipur and a testament to her exceptional skills, Naorem Roshibina Devi, a two-time Asian Games medalist, has been honored with the title of 'Female Wushu Athlete of the Year 2023' by the International Wushu Federation (IWUF). The accolade, awarded in the Sanda category, follows a month-long public voting process.
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| Manipur's Naorem Roshibina becomes 'Female Wushu Athlete of the Year 2023' |
Roshibina's Remarkable Journey
At just 23 years old, Roshibina Devi has left an indelible mark in the world of Wushu. Having secured bronze and silver medals at the 2018 and 2022 Asian Games respectively, she amassed an impressive 93,545 votes in the public poll. This outstanding feat propelled her ahead of formidable competitors, Iran's Shahrabano Mansourian Semiromi (88,179 votes) and China's Wu Xiaowei (46,753 votes).
Triumph Over Adversity
Roshibina's victory in the public vote holds special significance, considering her previous encounter with Wu Xiaowei in the final of the women's 60kg Wushu Sanda event at the Hangzhou Asian Games in the preceding year. The Manipuri athlete, who also clinched a bronze medal at the 2016 World Junior Wushu Championships, continues to shine as a symbol of determination and excellence.
Recognition and Awards
In addition to her recent triumph, Roshibina Devi was bestowed with the prestigious Arjuna Award this year, further affirming her status as a luminary in the world of Wushu. The Arjuna Award is a testament to her consistent dedication and remarkable achievements in the field of martial arts.
The International Wushu Federation (IWUF)
The IWUF, established on 3 October 1990, stands as the governing body for Wushu globally, encompassing all its forms. Wushu, commonly known as kungfu, represents a diverse range of martial arts practices originating from China. With headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Beijing, China, the IWUF boasts 149 members across 5 continental federations worldwide.
Global Recognition and Olympic Connection
Being recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the IWUF holds a pivotal role in the international sports arena. It is also a member of both the Association of IOC Recognized International Sports Federations (ARISF) and the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF). This global recognition underscores the IWUF's commitment to promoting and governing Wushu on the world stage.
In conclusion, Naorem Roshibina Devi's title as the 'Female Wushu Athlete of the Year 2023' is a testament to her prowess and the recognition of her outstanding contributions to the sport. As Manipur celebrates this achievement, it resonates not only as a personal triumph but also as a moment of glory for Indian Wushu on the international platform.
