Olympian CA Bhavani Devi on Monday created history by securing India’s first-ever medal at the Asian Fencing Championships — a bronze — after losing in the women’s sabre semi-final at the continental event in Wuxi, China.
Bhavani lost to Uzbekistan’s Zaynab Dayibekova in a hard-fought semi-final 14-15, but ensured for India its maiden medal in the prestigious event.
At 14-14, the referee gave a red card to Bhavani for “early start”. Both had received yellow cards earlier in the match.
In fact, Bhavani wanted a video referral, but the referee rejected it, arguing that a referral is available only if there is a “blade contact.”
Bhavani had earlier stunned reigning world champion Misaki Emura of Japan 15-10 in the quarter finals.
Misaki had won the women’s sabre gold medal at the 2022 World Fencing Championships held in Cairo.
It was Bhavani’s first win over Misaki as she had lost all her matches against the Japanese in the past.
The 29-year-old Bhavani had received a bye in the round of 64 before beating Dospay Karina of Kazakhstan in the next round.
Bhavani then upset third seed Ozaki Seri 15-11 in the pre-quarter finals.
Fencing Association of India secretary-general Rajeev Mehta congratulated Bhavani on her achievement.
“It is a very proud day for Indian fencing. Bhavani has achieved what no one could achieve before. She is the first Indian fencer to win a medal at the prestigious Asian Championships. On behalf of the entire fencing fraternity, I congratulate her,” Mehta said.
“Although she lost in the semi-final, the contest was very close. It was a matter of just point. So it’s a big improvement.”
Bhavani Devi, who became the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympics, exited in the Round-of-32 at the Tokyo Games.
Now she is gearing up for the World Championships scheduled to be held in Milan between July 22-30.
