India’s trailblazing fencer Bhavani Devi on Monday created history when she defeated Tunisia’s Nadia Ben Azizi 15-3 in her country’s debut game. She later crashed out of the competition after losing to France’s Manon Brunet, who was a semi-finalist at the Rio Olympics.
27-year-old Bhavani bulldozed her way into the second round even though this was the first time India was taking part in fencing. However, she did not show any signs of nervousness as she faced the Tunisian opponent.
The fencer from Tamil Nadu was the first Indian to ever qualify for the Olympics. Such was her dominance in the game that she did not concede a single point in the first three minute period as she extended her lead to 8-0 in no time.
The Tunisian fencer managed to earn some points in the second half but that wasn’t enough for her to avoid a defeat at the hands of the debutant Indian fencer.
Under the rules of the game, a fencer reaching the 15-point mark first is declared the winner. Bhavani achieved the feat in a little over six minutes.
LIVE UPDATES on Indians’ performance will appear below:
07:54 AM: India’s Bhavani Devi loses to France’s Manon Brunet in Women’s Sabre Individual Table of 32. Manon had reached the semi-final stage at the Rio Olympics five years ago.
07: 20 AM: India’s Sharath Kamal Achanta beats T. Apolónia of Portugal 4-2 in round two of the Men’s Singles table tennis match.
06:01 AM: In another event, Indian archers defeated Kazakhstan in the Men’s Team match 6-2.
