Fencer Bhavani Devi makes history, qualifies for Olympics

Tamil Nadu-based Chartered Accountant (CA) Bhavani Devi has become the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympics. Hosts Hungary lost in the quarter-finals of the team event, allowing Korea to enter the semi-finals. The 8 times National Champion Bhavani Devi qualified through the Adjusted Official Ranking (AOR) Method.

“Finally, I feel free,” Bhavani Devi said after becoming the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympics.

.@IamBhavaniDevi who created history by becoming the 1st Indian fencer to qualify for the @Olympics is also a SAI trainee and has been groomed by SAI coach #SagarLagu at STC Thalassery. #JeetengeOlympics #Fencing pic.twitter.com/lZoakE6saC

— SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) March 14, 2021

Two individual spots were up for grabs for the Asia and Oceania region based on the world rankings as of April 5, 2021. Bhavani is ranked 45th and occupies one of the two available slots. The 27-year-old’s qualification will be confirmed when the rankings are made official next month.

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju congratulated Bhavani Devi on her qualifying for the Olympics.

“Congratulations to Indian fencer Bhavani Devi who has qualified for Tokyo Olympics! She has become the 1st ever Indian fencer to achieve the feat. My best wishes to @IamBhavaniDevi,” he tweeted.

Congratulations to Indian fencer Bhavani Devi who has qualified for Tokyo Olympics! She has become the 1st ever Indian fencer to achieve the feat. My best wished to @IamBhavaniDevi pic.twitter.com/NFGJzuB4Dx

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) March 14, 2021

The Tokyo Olympics scheduled to be held in 2020 were put off owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are now scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 8 2021.

Also Read: Sprinter Yohan Blake: Rather Miss Olympics Than Get COVID-19 Vaccine