Tokyo 2020: Bhavani Devi wins India’s 1st ever fencing match in Olympics history, beats Tunisia’s Ben Azizi


Olympic Games in Tokyo: CA Bhavani Devi made history on Monday when she defeated Tunisian Nadia Ben Azizi 15-3 on her Olympic debut and reached the 32nd round of the single saber.

Olympic Games in Tokyo: Bhavani Devi makes history, becomes the first Indian fencer to win the Games. (Twitter photo)

Olympic Games in Tokyo: Bhavani Devi makes history, becomes the first Indian fencer to win the Games. (Twitter photo)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • CA Bhavani Devi won her first saber individual fight at Olympia
  • The Indian fencer defeated Tunisia’s Nadia Azizi 15: 3
  • Next she will meet number 3 in the world rankings Manon Brunet from France

The first female fencer to represent India at the Olympics was also the first to win a bout at the Games when CA Bhavani Devi made a victorious start in her historic Tokyo 2020 Olympic debut on Monday.

27-year-old Bhavani Devi, who made her debut at the Games, showed nerves of steel as she had full control of her 64-a-side saber fight, beating Tunisian Nadia Ben Azizi 15-3. Despite a delay in the start of their bout, Bhavani Devi held her composure and took an 8-0 lead. Yes you’ve read correctly!

Tokyo Olympics: India Updates from Day 3 Live

Bhavani Devi looked solid and didn’t let her lower-ranking opponent Azizi swing in the 2 rounds. Bhavani not only attacked with precision, but also scored points when standing on her hindfoot with some clever touches.

How is saber fencing rated?

In saber fencing, a point is collected when a fencer touches the opponent above the waist or on the head with the edges or the tip of the saber. The first fencer to score 15 points in two rounds is declared the winner.

A Bhavani Devi who was seeded at 29 faces a tough test in her round of 32 when she takes on the world’s number 3 and fourth seeded Manon Brunet from France. The fight begins on Monday from 7:30 p.m. IST.

From choosing the sport at school as it was the only option left to her, to qualifying for the Olympics, it has been a memorable and arduous journey for Bhavani.

The 27-year-old from Chennai, who was the first fencer from India to make history at the Olympic Games, trained extensively in Italy.

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