Chadalavada Anandha Bhavani Devi made history at the World Cup in Hungary after she became the first-ever fencer from India to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics 2021. The sabre fencer secured a spot after the hosts lost in the team event during the quarterfinals, letting South Korea progress to the semi-final.
Devi is said to have qualified through the Adjusted Official Ranking (AOR) Method. As per World Rankings, there were two individual spots left to be filled for the Asia and Oceania region. Devi ranked 45th which allowed her to occupy one of the two available slots, according a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI). However, her qualification will be confirmed by April 5.
To commemorate this achievement, the Sports Authority of India, took to Twitter to congratulate the national champion. They wrote, “It is a historic moment as @IamBhavaniDevi becomes the 1st ever fencer from India to qualify for the @Olympics in women’s individual sabre on basis of Adjusted Official ranking at the Men’s and Women’s Sabre World Cup in Budapest. Many congratulations!,"
Union Sports Minister, Kiren Rijiju, also took to Twitter to congratulate Devi on her efforts. “Congratulations to Indian fencer Bhavani Devi who has qualified for Tokyo Olympics! She has become the 1st ever Indian fencer to achieve the feat. My best wishes to @IamBhavaniDevi,” he wrote.
Coach Sagar Lagu, who trained Devi at the SAI centre in Thalassery, Kerala, between 2008 and 20015, alludes to all her hard work. In a statement to PTI, he said, “I am delighted for her. She was trying to qualify for the Olympics from 2012. This is the first time any Indian fencer has qualified for the Olympics. It is due to her hard work and dedication that she has secured qualification for the Tokyo Games.”
Image Courtesy: Twitter/Dr A Mohammed Hakkim (@drhakkim)