Chadalavada Anandha Sundhararaman Bhavani Devi, simply known as Bhavani Devi, (born 27 August 1993), is an Indian sabre(fencer). Bhavani took fencing baby steps in 2004 while still in school, little did she know that one day shw would be playing for her country.
She bought the first Gold Medal for fencing in the Common Wealth championship by breaking the fencing record of 44-years. She is the only Indian to enter the top 50 Ranking of fencing in the world.
Bhavani Devi(world no. 42 currently) is the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympic Games to be held in Tokyo this year.
Catch Bhavani Devi, the first Indian fencer in conversation with Namita Nayyar, President Women Fitness.
Namita Nayyar:
You started your sports career in 2003 with an introduction to fencing at the school level using bamboo sticks. As of today, you are the first Indian fencer to ever qualify for the Olympics 2021, Tokyo Games. Looking back it’s been a long journey! what attracted you to this sport, also some eventful moments that stay close to your heart?
Bhavani Devi:
Started 2004 , the sport itself . I have never seen anything like that before except in old tamil movies. But I was very excited to play. I have so many moments , some important ones like, travelling to Assam sub junior and cadet nationals from chennai. Our train arrived very late and we arrived on the day of competition and we didn’t have time to prepare for the event. We just changed the kit and fenced. I won medals in all my events in both sub junior and cadet 6 medals including 2 gold.
Then winning first gold for fencing from international competition 2017 Iceland , entering top 16 in the world championship in 2019 and this Olympic qualification.
Namita Nayyar:
In 2015, you became one of the 15 athletes selected ‘Go Sports Foundation’ for the Rahul Dravid Athlete Mentorship Programme. They have played an instrumental role in arranging for your training equipment for fitness and sport. Throw some light on the same.
Bhavani Devi:
In 2013 I tried for an elite scholarship program from Tamil Nadu govt and I didn’t get it so I was very disappointed but my family supported me a lot to travel for competitions and training. Financial struggles and other problems pushed me to take a decision to quit this sport. In 2015 my friend applied for this scholarship program and I didn’t expect that I would get selected and from then I decided to do my best efforts for my dream. They helped to get the right fitness, nutrition, and sometimes travel with a coach for competitions and training .
Namita Nayyar:
In 2017, you became India’s first international gold medallist in fencing at the Women’s World Cup satellite tournament in Iceland. How tough was the experience and how did it help you mature in a sport not very popular in India. Your advice to young men & women who wish to pursue this sport at a competitive level.
Bhavani Devi:
A week Before this competition, I didn’t perform well in the Tunis world cup. I was angry as well as sad because I worked very hard. So after Tunis, I wanted to win Gold in this and my coach Nicola too told me that you can win this. I travelled alone for the competition and from the first match till taking the last final match point I was very focused and continued to believe in myself. When I won I was very happy and thought the coach was here and turned towards the back but later I realised I was alone. But I continued to enjoy the moment. But it helped and encouraged me to believe in myself more and to continue working hard.
Namita Nayyar:
According to Vishwanathan P, your first coach, statement to a 30-second test. “I don’t remember what the test was! But right then, I knew she had the talent,”. In 30 seconds, you secured a spot in the school’s fencing classes, among 40 other girls. Share the moment.
Bhavani Devi:
Even though I don’t remember that test , I think he had asked me to show some fencing moments and I did well. Also when I started fencing I was also playing squash. My first ever competition for both sports was on same day. I wasn’t sure which to choose at the beginning. But later I understood that I love fencing more and wanted to play this.
Namita Nayyar:
You are currently ranked 42nd in the world and 1st in the country in fencing. Congratulations on the same. Share the moment of glory & share the hard work that led to these achievements.
Bhavani Devi:
I am happy that I have taken right decisions in my life to reach this level and I am only thankful to my parent’s for all their sacrifices.
Namita Nayyar:
Your diet routine? Foods you are advised to include in your diet? Five foods you keep to a minimum. Any supplement you have incorporated in your diet?
Bhavani Devi:
For me it is not a very strong diet plan. They have given me the plan with the food I like. Like always, I have to take lots of veggies and juices. Sweets, and carbohydrate drinks must be avoided but on important occasions it is accepted but I have to take care of it. I do take vitamin supplements.
Namita Nayyar:
You suffered an injury in 2015. Share more about it & how you have recovered from the same. According to your mother you get many scars and hurt a lot, but, she says, for Bhavani, these are “small casualties”. Your mother’s role in your success story.
Bhavani Devi:
Injuries and wounds are part of sport.
My first ever injury happened in 2015 lower back pain. I was worried about training and tournaments but the CSS centre in chennai helped me to recover well and to start the training. It took 3 months to start my training but I became much stronger after that.
My mother is my greatest support. I have never seen a stronger and courageous person like her in my life. She always thinks positively and believes in the work we do. She is the reason I could overcome all obstacles and to keep pushing myself.
Namita Nayyar:
You wear a see-through, mesh tri-color full-face masked helmet. Any specific reason for this choice.
Bhavani Devi:
Representing India is always my dream and I want to show to the world that I represent my country proudly by showing the Indian flag on the mask.
Namita Nayyar:
Your Twitter bio reads “the harder the battle, the sweeter the victory”. Why? Share the Quote you live by.
Bhavani Devi:
You will always cross tough situations and sometimes tough people, so to win you need to fight hard and the victory will heal the pain you had during the process.
Namita Nayyar:
Your future plans & ongoing preparation for the upcoming competition.
Bhavani Devi:
As of now we are preparing for the Olympics and thinking only about that.
Namita Nayyar:
Message for Women Fitness followers and your fans.
Bhavani Devi:
Be confident with yourself. No one can help in that part. Dream big and work towards it.
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This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
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