Bhavani Devi: Fencer Bhavani Devi tops pool, eyes historic Asian Games medal | Asian Games 2023 News

NEW DELHI: Indian fencer Bhavani Devi made a resounding statement at the Asian Games, surging into the women’s sabre individual pre-quarterfinals while securing the top rank in her pool. With her eyes set on clinching her first-ever Asian Games fencing medal, the 30-year-old athlete, who represented India at the Tokyo Olympics, exhibited remarkable skill to outclass all of her five opponents in the preliminary round.
Bhavani Devi’s campaign began with a convincing victory over Singapore’s Juliet Jie Min Heng, where she triumphed with a score of 5-2. Her momentum continued as she then faced off against Saudi Arabia’s Alhsna Alhammad, emerging victorious with a commanding 5-1 win.
The Indian fencer displayed her prowess once more when she took on Karina Dospay, the Asian Championships bronze medalist, and secured a 5-3 victory. Bhavani Devi maintained her dominance in her final two pool matches, comfortably defeating Uzbekistan’s Zaynab Dayibekova and Roksana Khatun from Bangladesh, both with identical 5-1 margins, solidifying her position at the top of the pool.

Bhavani Devi’s remarkable journey in fencing includes being the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. Now, in her pursuit of glory at the Asian Games, she is set to face Thailand’s Tonkhaw Phokaew in the round of 16.
As she progresses through the competition, Bhavani Devi carries the hopes and aspirations of her nation, aiming to etch her name in the annals of Indian sports history by securing that elusive Asian Games fencing medal. Her impressive performances thus far underscore her determination and skill on the fencing piste as she takes on the best in Asia.
(With PTI inputs)