From mortgaging ornaments to representing India in the Olympics, the story of fencing player Bhavani Devi

This year India has had one of the most splendid performances in the Olympics. From clinching Gold in Javelin to Bronze in Weightlifting, the laurels Indian players brought to the country have been tremendous. What makes this year even more remarkable is the fact that there have been many sportsmen and women who have qualified and achieved wonders in games that were never opted and reached before.

‘You are an inspiration’: PM Modi reacts to Bhavani Devi’s apology after 2nd round fencing knockout at Olympics 2020

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded India's first-ever fencer in the Olympics CA Bhavani Devi for her commendable performance in Tokyo. She became the Indian fencing player to win a match at the Olympics after registering a confident 15-3 win against Tunisia's Nadia Ben Azizi. However, in the next round, she bumped into Rio Olympics semi-finalist Frenchwoman Manon Brunet, where she lost 7-15.

After getting knocked out from the Tokyo Games, the Indian fencer took to Twitter and apologised for not making it to the next level.

I Am Sorry: Fencer Bhavani Devi Pens Emotional Note to Fans after Historic Performance at Tokyo 2020

Bhavani Devi, the first Indian fencer to win a round at the Olympics, went out with her head held high as she fought well against France’s Manon Brunet 7-15 in a Round of 32 matches of the women’s individual sabre competition at the Tokyo Olympics on Monday.

Bhavani Devi, from Chennai who had outplayed Nadia Ben Azizi of Tunisia 15-3 to advance, put up a good fight as Manon, the World No. 3 from France who narrowly missed a bronze medal at the Rio Olympics five years ago, was too strong.

“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 the Olympics 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," she tweeted.

Bhavani Devi wins India's 1st ever fencing match in Olympics history, beats Tunisia's Ben Azizi

The first-ever fencer to represent India at the Olympics also became the first to win a bout at the Games as CA Bhavani Devi made a winning start to her historic Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 on Monday.

Bhavani Devi, 27, making her Games debut showcased nerves of steel as she was in complete control of her Women’s Sabre Individual Table of 64 bouts, beating Tunisia's Nadia Ben Azizi 15-3. Despite a delay in the start to their bout, Bhavani Devi kept her composure and raced to an 8-0 lead. Yes, you read that right!