India’s First Olympic Fencer: Bhavani Devi Qualifies for Tokyo Olympics

There is no doubt that Indians have been carving their own space in sports – in fact, women have done a tremendous job to showcase their talent and might in this field. From Sakshi Malik in Wrestling to Deepika Kumari in Archery, Indian sportswomen’s power knows no bounds.

Adding to this list is Bhavani Devi –– the first Indian to qualify for the Olympics for the sport of Fencing. An eight-time national champion, Bhavani was previously unable to qualify for the Rio Olympics.

Through the adjusted official ranking method, Bhavani qualified as there were slots open for the Asia and Oceania region. Under the guidance of coach Nicola Zanotti, the sabre fencer’s 45th rank allows her to qualify and will be confirmed on 5 April 2021, according to The Wire.

And so, for the first time, we will see a woman, or anyone, representing India in Fencing at the Olympics which will be held in Tokyo this year.

Bhavani’s Olympics qualification stands for more than sporting excellence –– it stands as a testament to younger women of India that sports are not for men, and excelling at them is a possibility for all.

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