Bhavani Devi becomes first Indian fencer to win a bronze medal in Asian Championships

Olympian C A Bhavani Devi created history by winning India's first-ever (bronze) medal at the Asian Fencing Championships. The win came after losing in the women's sabre semi-final at the continental event in Wuxi, China. Bhavani lost to Uzbekistan's Zaynab Dayibekova in the semi-finals 14-15, but she made India proud with its first medal in the acclaimed event.

World champion Misaki Emura of Japan and Bhavani were in tough competition with a score of 15-10 in the quarterfinals. Misaki won the women's sabre gold medal at the 2022 World Fencing Championships held in Cairo.

The 29-year-old Bhavani had received a bye in the round of 64 before beating Dospay Karina of Kazakhstan in the next round. Bhavani then upset third seed Ozaki Seri 15-11 in the pre-quarterfinals.  Rajeev Mehta, Secretary-general of Fencing Association of India congratulated Bhavani on her historic achievement. Mehta said, “It is a very proud day for Indian fencing. Bhavani has achieved what no one could achieve before. She is the first Indian fencer to win a medal at the prestigious Asian Championships. On behalf of the entire fencing fraternity, I congratulate her. Although she lost in the semi-final, the contest was very close. It was a matter of just point. So, it's a big improvement.”

Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur conveyed his best wishes to Bhavani Devi on her victory. Thakur in a tweet, described Bhavani Devi as a trailblazer and an inspiration to fellow athletes. “Bhavani Devi elevated the sport to the recognition it deserves and her journey has paved the way for a new era in Indian fencing.”

Bhavani Devi is the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympics, exited in the round of 32 at the Tokyo Games. Devi became the first Indian to win a silver medal in the U23 category at the Asian Championship in the Philippines in 2014, and in 2019 was the first Indian to win a gold medal in the sabre event at the senior Commonwealth Fencing Championship in Canberra.

At the 2009 Commonwealth Junior Championship in Malaysia, Devi got a bronze medal. Thereafter, Devi becomes the best Indian sabre use by accomplishing bronze at the 2010 International Open, and 2010 Cadet Asian Championship. In 2012, Bhavani won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Junior Championships. She also won the gold medal at the 2014 Tuscany Cup.