Bhavani Devi bags India's first-ever Asian Fencing Championship medal; nation applauds historic feat
By Sunita Iyer | First Published Jun 19, 2023, 4:20 PM ISTBhavani Devi scripted history by defeating reigning World Champion Misaki Emura in the Asian Fencing Championship quarterfinal and securing India its first-ever medal at the event.
Bhavani Devi scripted history on Monday by defeating reigning World Champion Misaki Emura in the Asian Fencing Championship quarterfinal and securing India its first-ever medal at the event.
To advance to the women's sabre semifinal, the Indian fencer defeated the top-ranked fencer in the world 15-10. Bhavani had previously lost each of her three encounters with Misaki prior to this game.
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Bhavani, on the other hand, suffered a 15–14 loss in the semifinals to Zaynab Dayibekova of Uzbekistan, earning a bronze medal.
So its going to be a historic Bronze medal for Bhavani Devi folks ❤️
➡️ Bhavani lost to Uzbekh fencer Zaynab Dayibekova 14-15 in Semis.
➡️ Earlier Bhavani had defeated reigning World Champion & World No. 1 in QF.
➡️ Its 1st ever medal for India in the tournament. https://t.co/D1A9YvFWd6 pic.twitter.com/zIb7GwrIWG
The 29-year-old had a bye in round 64 before defeating Kazakhstan's Dospay Karina in round 32. In the preliminary quarterfinals, she later defeated third seed Ozaki Seri 15-11.
Congratulating Bhavani Devi on her historic feat, Fencing Association of India secretary-general Rajeev Mehta noted, "It is a very proud day for Indian fencing. Bhavani has achieved what no one could achieve before. She is first Indian fencer to win a medal at the prestigious Asian Championships. On behalf of the entire fencing fraternity, I congratulate her."
Meanwhile, fans took to social media to express joy over Bhavani Devi's historic achievement. "Bronze it is for Bhavani Devi after she loses a close semifinal. Fluctuating scores really had us there on the website! Well done either way, Bhavani. A historic bronze coming back with her from China," wrote one fan on Twitter.
Another added, "Congratulations Bhavani Devi on winning historic bronze. Stepping stone for many more in future."
Here's a look at some of the other reactions:
Bronze it is for Bhavani Devi after she loses a close semifinal. Fluctuating scores really had us there on the website!
Well done either way, Bhavani. A historic bronze coming back with her from China. https://t.co/n6R2Zod4c5 pic.twitter.com/mZEugndudD
Congratulations Devi on winning historic bronze. Stepping stone for many more in future 👍 https://t.co/7Bm9jhKDAo
— Shiv Shankar M (@mshivs)It is a historic bronze medal for the incredible fencer after a close 14-15 loss in the SF.. Great achievement for Bhavani Devi.. 🇮🇳
— Vishank Razdan (@VishankRazdan)🤺Asian Fencing Championship :
Bhavani Devi Won against World No 1& reigning World Champion Misaki Emura of 🇯🇵 by 15 - 10 in QF . 🔥
Bronze medal assured for India.
UPSET ALERT
Indian Olympian Bhavani Devi beats WR 1 Emura Misaki (15-11) and progresses to the semi-finals. India is assured of a bronze medal at the Asian Fencing Championships.
A huge feat indeed!!! pic.twitter.com/YT7DswEfRo
Bhavani Devi creates history, become first Indian fencer to win medal in Asian Championships New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/o96B5gU5MJ
— सचिन कुमार {Sachin Kumar}🇮🇳 (@SachinKrIndia)Proud moment for all the Indians 🏆
India is assured of historic 1st ever medal in Asian Fencing Championships.
Bhavani Devi (WR 49) upsets reigning World Champion & World No. 1 Misaki Emura 15-10 to advance into Semis (Sabre) of Asian Fencing Championships. pic.twitter.com/LAkLQpHaRK
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