2023-09-24 09:21:49
Title: Bhavani Devi: Tamil Nadu’s Swordsman making the country proud in Fencing
Subtitle: Bhavani Devi’s hard work and determination lead her to become a fencing champion
Publication: The Tribune
Date: September 20, 2022
Chennai-based swordsman Bhavani Devi has been making waves in the world of fencing, putting India on the global map in the sport. With an impressive list of achievements and numerous medals to her name, Bhavani Devi has become an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.
Last June, Bhavani Devi made history by winning a bronze medal at the Asian Championship held in Wuxi, China. Not only did she become the first Indian to win a medal in fencing at the Asian Championship, but she also became the first Indian woman to achieve the feat. Her dedication and hard work have not only shone at the Asian Championship but have also been recognized in various international tournaments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended Bhavani Devi for her achievements and acknowledged the pivotal role played by her mother, Ramani Devi, in her success. Speaking to BBC Tamil, Bhavani Devi expressed her gratitude towards PM Modi for acknowledging her mother’s efforts, stating that it gave her even more motivation to succeed.
Ramani Devi, Bhavani Devi’s mother, has been her pillar of support throughout her journey. She has sold her jewelry, property, and taken loans to support her daughter’s training and participation in various competitions. Prominent personalities, including film director Sasikumar and the late former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, have also stepped forward to assist Bhavani Devi in her training.
Bhavani Devi’s incredible journey began with a setback when she was “black carded” and sent off for arriving late at an international competition in Turkey. However, she did not let this defeat discourage her and continued to excel in subsequent tournaments.
Hailing from Vannarappat in Chennai, Bhavani Devi’s journey to success has not been an easy one. The sport of swordsmanship requires expensive equipment, and her middle-class family faced financial constraints. However, her mother’s determination and resilience paved the way for her formal training and participation in various competitions.
Bhavani Devi’s unwavering self-confidence has also played a significant role in her success. Despite facing financial challenges and limited resources, she never lost hope and remained determined to achieve her goals.
Looking ahead, Bhavani Devi is set to participate in the Asian Games in China. She has also earned the honor of being the first Indian female fencer to participate in the Olympic Games, representing India at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Bhavani Devi’s remarkable achievements have brought glory to her home state of Tamil Nadu and have inspired a new generation of athletes. With her indomitable spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence, Bhavani Devi has proven that with dedication and perseverance, one can reach great heights and make a mark on the world stage.
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