Aparna Dahiya and Shivani have emerged as the new stars of Indian wushu after winning gold medals at the 11th Sanda World Cup in Macao. Aparna captured the title in the women’s 58 kg division, while Shivani topped the 75 kg category, helping India finish third overall with two golds, one silver, and two bronze medals.

Aparna Dahiya (left) won the 58kg category. (HT)Aparna Dahiya (left) won the 58kg category. (HT)

Aparna, who comes from Kharkhoda village in Haryana, began practicing wushu at age 11 as part of a school self-defense program. Supported by her parents throughout her journey, she turned the sport into a career and now works as an Income Tax Officer while continuing her studies. Reflecting on her upbringing, she recalled her parents telling her,

“Do whatever you want. If you want to study, then study; if you want to play, then play.”

In Macao, Aparna defeated reigning world champion Thi Phuong Nga Ngo in straight sets, avenging a loss she suffered at last year’s World Wushu Championships. Her recent achievements also include gold medals at the 2022 Wushu Stars Championship and the 2024 BRICS Games, as well as a silver medal at the 2024 Asian Championships.

Shivani’s path was equally challenging. Growing up in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, she initially faced resistance from both her community and parts of her extended family. Her father recalled that people often said, “This is a boys’ sport; a girl will get hurt playing it.” Attitudes changed as she continued winning medals and eventually earned a position in the Border Security Force through the sports quota.

Following their World Cup success, both athletes are now focused on the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. With India still seeking its first-ever Asian Games gold medal in wushu, Aparna and Shivani are being viewed as leading contenders to help the country reach a historic milestone.

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