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A sport that is thrilling to watch and difficult to play, sabre-fencing has finally made its entry within India. Meet CA Bhavani Devi, the Indian fencer to represent the country across the world.
Born on 27th August 1993
In myths and folklore, Bhavani is another name for Ma Durga. A goddess celebrated for her courage and warrior spirit, she is represented in the popular imagination with a sword in her hand. While folktales and mythology may not be for everyone’s interest, there is another Bhavani Devi, very much real, who has drawn all the limelight towards herself in the sports world. Instead of a sword, she carries a sabre and is a champ in her own rights. In an attire that consists of an electric suit, a mask and a glove, she charges like a fierce fighter, a game that is fascinating to behold. Her name is Chadalavada Anandha Sundharaman Bhavani Devi, and she is India’s very first sabre-fencer who has represented our country in the international arena.
Born on 27th August 1993 in Chennai, her sports career started only at the age of 11 in 2003. Introduced to fencing in her institute, Muruga Dhanushkodi Girl’s Higher Secondary School, she would very soon pick up the nitty-gritty of the sports and would even get herself her first coach in the form of Vishwanathan P after a gruelling 30-second test.
With continuous practice and relentless effort, she would very soon rise to the top of her game. From practising with bamboo sticks to non-stop training at the stadium, she battled each day to make a name for herself, fighting both her opponents and misogyny. Often asked if it was meant to be a women’s sport, she was also backed by her parents, who stood firm besides their daughter’s decision and encouraged her further and further.
The next big step arrived when Sports Authority of India’s coach Sagar Lagu noticed her and being impressed with her fencing skills, invited her to train in Kerala’s Thalassery.
Very soon, she would stand in the international ground, that too at the age of 14, but luck would show her a black card as she arrived three minutes late. A brave spirit, she did not back down to life and later would receive medals after medals, now standing as an eight-time national champion.
The world has taken note of her as the fencer has won several bronze, silver and gold medals. Her golds at the 2012 Common Wealth Championship in Jersey and at Italy’s Tuscany Cup in 2014 remind every opponent of the calibre of player she is. With immaculate footwork and clever decision-making skills, Bhavani Devi has made sure that India emerges as one of the prime countries in Sabre-fencing.
Her latest venture was in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, as she became the first Indian fencer to participate in the prestigious games. Taking India to newer heights, she won her first match against Tunisia, but later lost to France’s Manon Brunet. However, she pledges to return stronger than ever and least to say, India has got her back. Today, as she turns another year older, India also continues to expand into newer territories as she is continuing to inspire thousands of people to explore uncharted sports such as fencing.
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