Fencer Bhavani Devi promises to come back stronger

Bhavani Devi (right) competes against France’s Manon Brunet. Pic/AFP

India's first ever fencer in the Olympics, CA Bhavani Devi, lasted two rounds at the Games, her historic maiden appearance ending with a loss to World No. 3 Manon Brunet in the women's individual sabre event here on Monday.

Bhavani, 27, began her campaign with a confident 15-3 win against Tunisia's Nadia Ben Azizi but bumped into Rio Olympics semi-finalist Frenchwoman Brunet in the next round, which she lost 7-15.

"I did my level best but couldn't win. I am sorry...Thank you so much. I will come back much stronger and successful at next Olympics with all your prayers," she tweeted thanking her coaches, the government and her family for backing her.

Bhavani said she committed mistakes against Brunet but will take the result in her stride. "I didn't fence well in the first half but in the second half I tried to change something but it was too late. I am happy I fenced with one of the top fencers in the world," Bhavani said of her contest against Brunet. "In between I was doing some mistakes but it is okay, sabre is very quick."

The sabre is the fastest of the fencing competitions in which opponents can slash anywhere above the waist. The fencer who touches the 15 point-mark first is declared the winner.

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