Though C A Bhavani Devi lost, she created history by becoming the first ever fencer from India to take part in the Olympics. Asian Herald’s Special Sports Correspondent gives a glimpse into Bhavani’s efforts to bring home a medal
India’s first-ever fencer in the Olympics C A Bhavani Devi, lasted two rounds at the Tokyo Olympic Games, her historic maiden appearance ended with a loss to world no.3 Manon Brunet in the women’s individual Sabre event.
The 27-year-old began her campaign with a confident 15-3 win against Tunisia’s Nadia Ben Azizi. Bhavani Devi showed a lot of aggression against Azizi in the first round. But in the next round, Brunet from France was too fast to handle, which she lost for 7-15. She was clueless against the French women in the second round. Manon brunet was the semi-finalist in the Rio Olympics, who used her experience to negate the Indians tactics.
Sabre is the fastest among fencing competitions in which opponents can slash anywhere above the waist. The fencer who touches the 15 point mark first is declared the winner. In the other events- Foil and epee, only the tip of the award can be used to target the opponent.
Bhavani has sacrificed a lot to come up to this level since fencing is not a familiar sport in India. She had to leave her family and train alone in Italy for months. Indians have watched her brilliant maiden performance in Tokyo Olympics, which will surely open doors for many youngsters to take up this beautiful sport.
Abilash Rathnakaran, Director of Sports, Vels University, has had a proficient presence in the sports field, spearheading several events with the state and central governments. In this process, he has associated himself with different sports federations of India, which includes the Senior National Volleyball Championship in 2016, Asian Bodybuilding Championship in 2017, Mr India Senior Bodybuilding & Best Physique in 2018 and Paralympic Nationals Games in 2019. His life, driven by his untrammelled passion for sports, is coupled with the goal of leading the way for aspiring sportspersons and enthusiasts. He would be enriching the viewers of the Asian Herald with his insights, as our Special Sports Correspondent.