Fencer Bhavani keen to improve speed, strategy

Bhavani Devi

India's Bhavani Devi, who created history by becoming the first Indian fencer to first qualify and then win a round at the Olympics, is looking to work on her speed and strategy, going forward.

Bhavani beat Tunisia's Nadia Ben Azizi 15-3 in her opening round before losing 7-15 to 2016 Rio Olympics semi-finalist Manon Brunet of France.

"I knew she [Brunet] is World No. 3, a strong fencer and Olympic medallist but I don't feel that I didn't try. I tried hard and probably need to improve on my strategies. I need to work on my tactics," Bhavani, 27, said on Wednesday during a virtual media conference from Tokyo, facilitated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

Paris Olympics in sight

Bhavani, who won silver and bronze medals at the Asian Championships at Philippines (2014) and Mongolia (2015) respectively, is targeting an improved showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. "I need to improve a lot of my actions. I need to have more control over the situations during a match because sabre is a very quick game. I'm fine with whatever has happened in Tokyo but from now on, I want to win a medal for India, be it at the Olympics, World Championships or the Asian Championships," added Bhavani, who hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for tweeting in support despite her defeat. Following Bhavani's loss to Brunet, Modi had tweeted: "You gave your best and that is all that counts. Wins and losses are a part of life. India is very proud of your contributions. You are an inspiration for our citizens."

Also Read: Fencer Bhavani Devi promises to come back stronger

‘PM's post encouraged me'

Bhavani said that champions always get encouragement but it's more important to support those who are unable to win. "Gold medal-winners always get good support and encouragement and more energy to move forward. But the ones, who do not win medals, find it difficult to have that energy to make a comeback. I was very upset and disappointed after my second match but then, I saw his [PM Modi] post and felt very encouraged," Bhavani concluded.