Being an Olympian: What went into the making of India's first-ever Olympian fencer in Bhavani Devi?
Her mother Ramani Devi had been a pillar of strength throughout her journey
On the cusp of Olympic qualification, Bhavani Devi was fighting a two-front battle. One in Budapest where she was physically present and another in India, where her mother Ramani Devi had to be hospitalised after testing positive for Covid-19. She even thought of flying back to India to stay beside her mother who has been her fundamental support through every thick and thin.
“I’m fine,” her mother spoke feebly on the phone. “Focus on your game. Take care of Tokyo 2020 Olympics qualification. I can manage here. I just need to rest. I’ll be home soon.”
The assurance was enough for her to concentrate on the battle that she has been striving to win since her childhood. Her eventual qualification got the historians to work as she became the first-ever Indian to seal an Olympic berth in fencing.
Fighting against all odds
It was destiny that guided Bhavani into fencing. In school, when she had only one option to pick and that was fencing as other sports were already filled to capacity. However, she was startled when she arrived for her first training session.
"What is your father's annual income? the trainer asked me to my face," the question was thrust on her.
Her father was a priest who could hardly make both ends meet. Whereas her mother Ramani Devi was a homemaker.
She lied and quoted a figure much higher than the actual income.
"That’s how I got into the sport. When I started making progress, I understood why the coach had asked me that question.”
However, the troubles had just begun. She had to train with a bamboo stick as swords were expensive and rare. They were kept only for competition.
When she gradually stepped into the professional arena, the hardships multiplied. She often had to travel to a competition without a coach and being the only representative from India, her peers from elite nations would look down upon her.
"I didn't feel the respect they had for me."
To bail her daughter out, Ramani devi had to pawn her jewellery. She even had to crowdfund apart from borrowing from other sources. Most of the earnings from her wins would go to repay the loan amount. In fact, in 2015, she even contemplated leaving the sport due to financial complexities. However, a scholarship programme from GoSports Foundation saved her dream in the nick of time.
In the run-up to the Olympics, she has been training with the Italian national fencing team, which is regarded as one of the best in the world. During that period, she has also interacted with Aldo Montano, an Olympic gold medallist.
“He shared with me inputs on how to handle pressure since it's my first Olympics and gave tips on maximising my potential in the sport."
A podium finish in the maiden Olympics would be too much to ask for from Bhavani. However, given her struggles, she will give it her all at Tokyo.
When does Bhavani Devi's Tokyo 2020 campaign begin?
Bhavani Devi will be in action on July 26, Monday, in the women's inividual sabre event.