The 27-year-old has already created history by becoming the first Indian to qualify for the sport at such a big stage.
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Indian fencer Bhavani Devi became the first athlete from the country to participate in fencing at the Olympics in Tokyo this year. She exited the competition after she was beaten in her second match by the current world number 3 Manon Brunet of France. After her campaign came to an end, Bhavani said that she had learned a lot in her time at the Games and she would improve her technique. The 27-year-old has already created history by becoming the first Indian to qualify for the sport at such a big stage. However, she wishes to reach greater heights in her career and for that, she said she would work on her game.
“The one lesson I learned from Tokyo is to keep working hard because I kept working hard after Rio and that brought me to Tokyo. I need to improve on some fencing moments and fencing strategies, like technical (aspects) and I got good feedback from my matches,” Bhavani said in a press conference organized by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
“Because I was in good control about the outside pressure, that is very good for me. I will continue to work hard and in the coming competitions, it will be better results than previous years,” she added.
Despite not winning a medal, the fencer said that she was quite satisfied with her performance at the Olympics. Bhavani’s campaign got off to a flying start as she secured a dominating 15-3 win against Tunisian fencer Nadia Ben Azizi. She did lose her second match but it was against the third-ranked fencer in the world.
“The first match was more important because it was the start. I was feeling a little bit nervous before the match. But I started and finished well, also the second match was also good for me. I don’t feel like I did not try, for me I did try,” Bhavani said.
“Need to improve. I know she (her opponent) is number three and she got a bronze medal in Olympics. But for me I felt I have tried, I have given my effort to win that match. So, I just need to work on a little bit more about tactics and strategies but I am okay with whatever has happened in Tokyo,” she added.
The 27-year-old said that she always aims for winning a medal irrespective of the competition. She also said that there were more important competitions in the future.
“I always want to win a medal for India, be it Olympics, World Championships, or Asian Championships but we have more important competitions coming up,” Bhavani said.
When asked whether the strict COVID protocols in Tokyo added any stress, Bhavani said that she did not feel anything of the sort.
“I don’t feel any stress, because every athlete dreams about the Olympics, every athlete wants to perform in front of the whole world. For me, it has been a 15-year journey to arrive at the Olympics,” she said.
“Before the Olympics, we knew that our venue was one hour far from the Village. I said I have already travelled 15 years to arrive here, so for me, this two-hour or one-hour journey will not affect me. For me, it is okay, whatever I have to go through to play in the Olympic Games, I am ready to do it and it will be the same mentality for all the athletes who want to perform in front of the whole world. I am very happy that I have competed at the Olympic Games,” the 27-year-old added.
