27-year-old Bhavani Devi from Chennai recently became the first fencer from India to qualify for the Olympics and scripted history. She played her first clash this year at the Tokyo Olympics and started off with a 15-3 win against Tunisia’s Nadia Ben Azizi. However, she bumped into world number 3 Manon Brunet in the second round, and lost 7-15, News18 reports.
KIITian @IamBhavaniDevi won India's 1st ever fencing match in Olympics history, beats World number 4, Tunisia's Ben Azizi on debut. Bhavani is ranked as world No. 32. She defeated a very strong player.
1/2#BhavaniDevi #TokyoOlympics2021 pic.twitter.com/shiff3wAFE— Achyuta Samanta (@achyuta_samanta) July 26, 2021
Bummed by the loss, she took to her Twitter account to admit that she “did her level best” and apologised for not being able to convert the second round into a win. Check it out:
Big Day 🤺
It was Excitement & Emotional.
I won the First Match 15/3 against Nadia Azizi and become the First INDIAN Fencing Player to win a Match at Olympic but 2nd Match I lost 7/15 against world top 3 player Manon Brunet. I did my level best but couldn't win.
I am sorry 🙏 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/TNTtw7oLgO— C A Bhavani Devi (@IamBhavaniDevi) July 26, 2021
Every end has a beginning, I will continue my practice and definitely work hard to win a medal at the next Olympics in France and make my country proud.
I want to thank each one of you who stood by me.— C A Bhavani Devi (@IamBhavaniDevi) July 26, 2021
Thank you so much i will come back much stronger and successful at Next Olympics with all your Prayers 🙏
Jai Hind 🇮🇳— C A Bhavani Devi (@IamBhavaniDevi) July 26, 2021
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the tweet, reminding her that she serves as an inspiration to the nation:
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. https://t.co/iGta4a3sbz
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2021
She replied to the PM’s tweet:
When ur inspiration icon calls u an inspiration, what better day i can ask for? Ur words motivated me @narendramodi ji, U stood by me even at loosing the match, this gesture & leadership has given me boost & confidence to work hard & win upcoming matches for 🇮🇳
Jai Hind@PMOIndia https://t.co/RBZ8BFCXcO— C A Bhavani Devi (@IamBhavaniDevi) July 26, 2021
Many people online tweeted that she had nothing to be apologetic about and thanked her for her contributions to the country:
The country is elated at your performance! No apology, this is a victory of our aspirations! #SuperProud 🇮🇳 https://t.co/6CQV9jZdnf
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) July 26, 2021
. @IamBhavaniDevi your unflinching spirit at the Tokyo Olympic Games will ignite the journey of so many after you!
You’ve shown India 🇮🇳 the path; in the hearts of 130 crore Indians you are our WINNER in every way. https://t.co/mLpNeTlNWc
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 26, 2021
You are a pioneer in the sport in India and you have taken it all the way to the Olympics. That in itself makes you a Champion. May God bless you and your future endeavours. https://t.co/aSQsKlnFjF
— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) July 26, 2021
You don't need to be sorry. Your efforts to bring laurels to our great nation has made all of us proud. We all fall, the courage is in getting up. All the best for your future endeavours. https://t.co/EvMoCHblKa
— TS Singh Deo (@TS_SinghDeo) July 26, 2021
You still made everyone of us proud. Never a dull moment, well played Bhavani Devi. Mahadev Karunyam.. तलवार बाज़ी https://t.co/OOTkC8OhNT
— Kailash Kher (@Kailashkher) July 26, 2021
Salute to determination @IamBhavaniDevi . You are bound to succeed in future . You will surely weave victories with your professional commitment & resolve to win . Congratulations 👏👏 https://t.co/hzRKpvGPJR
— Chaitanya K Prasad (@Chatty111Prasad) July 27, 2021
You are such an inspiration @IamBhavaniDevi …the journey has just begun and you will have over a billion Indians cheering for you every step of the way…thru the ups and downs. More power to you! https://t.co/AeNbfZDzk1
— debjani ghosh (@debjani_ghosh_) July 26, 2021
It was exciting and emotional and you did a TERRIFIC job. Nothing but pride. None of us are sitting on the fence on that front!
— Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) July 26, 2021
You did your best. We all are proud of you 👍
— Arun Bothra 🇮🇳 (@arunbothra) July 26, 2021
Nothing to be sorry about. You did your best and you will continue making us proud.
— वरुण 🇮🇳 (@varungrover) July 26, 2021
You are very special very honest and dedicated. Your first level entry is in itself a victory. Dont say sorry. Feel proud of your efforts. Romb nandri!!😊
— Tarun Vijay தருண் விஜய் भारत के वीर सैनिकों की जय (@Tarunvijay) July 26, 2021
Valour and courage to compete is an excellent job done…matter of time , medal will be yours.
— Dr. Sanjeev Balyan (@drsanjeevbalyan) July 27, 2021
Bravo! Great spirit & sportsmanship 😎 👍
Cheers 🥂
— Amrita Bhinder 🇮🇳 (@amritabhinder) July 26, 2021
You have done us beyond proud already and it is only the beginning❤️
— Rashmi Samant 🌺 (@RashmiDVS) July 26, 2021
Dedication and unwavering self belief.
All the sweat and toil, chasing your dreams in your own training workshop.
You’re a winner.
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) July 26, 2021
We are all proud of you, Bhavani Devi!
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