For the last few months, two things have been a constant companion for fencer, her dummy sparring partner which she created during the lockdown and the mobile phone she uses to get online classes from her Italian coach Nicola Zanotti.

Two quick steps - almost a dance - and then the lightning lunge. The tip of Bhavani Devi’s sword plunged into Sarah Jane. A red light flashed; the winning hit is scored. Bhavani pumped her fists and let out a roar. She removed her mask and walked away - she had just become the first Indian fencer to win an international tournament. The big moment came and quietly slipped past Bhavani in Reykjavik, Iceland in 2017. There was no fanfare; no teammate or coach by her side. Just Bhavani and her sword.

Quite a few excited young fencers and some coaches asked questions to Bhavani during the videoconference organised by the Fencing Association of India and SAI

I take this period as an important one to analyse my game and myself better. I had back pain a few months ago, so will take this period to recover well.