How did Bhavani Devi perform at Tokyo Olympics? A detailed look at the Indian fencer's performance at the previous Olympic Games
Bhavani Devi is an Indian sabre fencer, who etched her name in history books, becoming the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympics after securing a spot for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Notably, her qualification marked India's Olympic fencing debut, a discipline that has been present at the Games since 1896.
Despite making a solid start, Bhavani fell short in the second round of the women's individual sabre event which saw her bow out of the tournament.
While facing off against the World No. 3 and Rio Olympian Manon Brunet of France, Bhavani struggled to keep her pace. She eventually lost 15-7 to the former World Championships silver medallist which helped the latter to advance to the Round of 16 at the Makuhari Messe Hall.
A deeper look at Bhavani Devi's performance at Tokyo Olympics
Notably, in the fencing event, the first fencer to accumulate a total of 15 points is declared the winner. Both Bhavani Devi and Brunet demonstrated attacking intent but the latter consistently gained momentum and took an 8-2 lead by the end of the first period.
Meanwhile, the 30-year-old, ranked World No. 42, struggled in front of the Frenchwoman as she maintained her dominance and ultimately secured victory in the second period in a nine-minute and 48-second bout.
It is worth mentioning that Bhavani Devi's Olympic journey began with a stunning victory over Tunisia's Nadia Ben Azizi. The Indian defeated her by 15-3 to advance to the Round of 32.
The two-time gold medalist in the Commonwealth Championships managed to capitalize on Azizi's initiations and successfully defended against the opponent’s attacks.
The Indian quickly established an 8-0 lead in the first period against the World No. 423, Azizi, with precise ripostes and strategic moves. The Indian fencer further sealed the win in just six minutes and 14 seconds with calculated attacks and creating an opening in the second period.