Tokyo: CA Bhavani Devi created history at the Tokyo Olympics as she won India’s first-ever fencing encounter at the Summer Games before crashing out in the Round of 32 on Monday. The 27-year-old became the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympics.
Competing in the women’s individual sabre event, Bhavani Devi started in style with a thumping 15-3 win over Tunisia’s Nadia Ben Azizi at the Makuhari Messe Hall. The Chennai girl began thoughtfully. Although Nadia initiated attacks initially, Bhavani Devi rarely allowed the Tunisian to build on the ‘right of way’ as she pinned her opponent time after time.
Bhavani Devi bowed out of the #Fencing second round at #Tokyo2020 against World No. 3 Monon Brunet 7-15 of #FRA
She becomes the first #IND fencer to qualify for the #Olympics and to win a first round match 🙌👏#UnitedByEmotion | #StrongerTogether | @IamBhavaniDevi pic.twitter.com/MePtsTjoI5
— #Tokyo2020 for India (@Tokyo2020hi) July 26, 2021
Ranked 42nd in the world, Bhavani Devi, whose defense had been her strong suit, easily negated World No. 423 Nadia’s advances with some top-quality counter-attacks, known in the fencing as a riposte, to claim the victory.
However, against France’s Manon Brunet, Bhavani Devi failed to continue her momentum losing 7-15. The Frenchwoman dominated all through the tie as she raced to an 8-2 lead in the first half. Although Bhavani Devi put a fight in the last moments of the game but it was too late by then to make a comeback.
