New Delhi, August 26: Fencing is a traditional art form. In ancient times, the skill of fencing was acquired to achieve victory over enemies in battle. Warfare has evolved, and today, battles are fought not with swords but with chemical weapons. In modern times, fencing has transformed into a competitive sport, and CA Bhavani Devi represents India’s global face in this discipline.
Bhavani Devi has showcased her fencing skills on international platforms, presenting this traditional art of India in a contemporary light.
Born on August 27, 1993, in Chennai, her full name is Chadalavada Anandha Bhavani Devi. She began her fencing journey at the age of 11 in 2004. After completing her tenth grade, she moved to the SAI center in Thalassery, Kerala, where she honed her skills. At just 14, she participated in her first international tournament in Turkey. Since then, Bhavani has never looked back, continuously climbing the ladder of success in the sport.
Her achievements are noteworthy. After impressive performances at the junior level in national and international competitions, she won a silver medal in individual events at the 2014 Asian Under-23 Championship. Bhavani secured gold medals in individual events at the Commonwealth Championships held in Canberra in 2018 and in London in 2022. Additionally, she won a bronze medal at the 2023 Asian Championship. Bhavani represented India at the 2020 Olympics.
Bhavani Devi’s name is etched in golden letters in the history of Indian fencing. She is the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympics and the first to win a medal at the Asian Championship. With two gold medals at the Commonwealth Championship, the 33-year-old Bhavani remains active in the sport, working hard to bring more medals to her country.
In recognition of her exceptional performance in fencing, the Government of India awarded Bhavani Devi the Arjuna Award in 2021.
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