Asian Games: Indian fencer Bhavani Devi knocked out in quarterfinals

NEW DELHI: Star Indian fencer Bhavani Devi's remarkable campaign at the Asian Games reached its conclusion in the quarterfinals, as she faced a 7-15 defeat against the local favourite Yaqi Shao in the women's sabre individual category.
Bhavani Devi, just one victory away from securing her maiden Asian Games medal, began the quarterfinals with a spirited performance, managing to land three touches in the initial period.However, her Chinese adversary swiftly took control, establishing an 8-3 lead and needing only seven more touches to secure her place in the consecutive semifinal at the continental showcase. Bhavani did manage to secure four more touches in the second period, but it ultimately proved insufficient.
In fencing, the first fencer to reach 15 touches in a knockout round is declared the winner. Shao, demonstrating her superiority, comfortably sealed the contest in the second period.
Securing a place in the semifinals ensures at least a bronze medal in fencing, a significant achievement. Bhavani Devi, a Tokyo Olympian, may feel somewhat unlucky to have been pitted against the 2018 Asian Games silver medalist in the quarterfinals.
"I know this athlete is strong, because I've trained with her many times. But I think in the beginning the referee wasn't right and I lost control of things a bit," Bhavani said.
"I was a little bit disappointed because we train together. I think it was also my mistake that I didn't come back to my own actions, but fencing is so fast and you have to decide (things) quickly."
In her quest for a historic Asian Games medal in fencing, the 30-year-old Indian fencer showcased her exceptional skills by defeating all five of her opponents in the preliminary round, earning her a bye to the pre-quarters. There, she overpowered Tonkhaw Phokaew with a score of 15-9.
Bhavani commenced her journey with a victory over Singapore's Juliet Jie Min Heng, triumphing 5-2. She followed this with a commanding 5-1 victory over Saudi Arabia's Alhsna Alhammad. In a closely contested battle, she defeated Karina Dospay, a bronze medalist at the Asian Championships, with a score of 5-3.
In her last two pool encounters, Bhavani secured dominant 5-1 wins against Uzbekistan's Zaynab Dayibekova and Bangladesh's Roksana Khatun, securing her position at the top of the pool.
"I'm really happy with what I'm doing in my career. I know it's not easy for athletes like me to come to lots of competitions, (so) you need to make something of it. Its (been) good, but I want to go further. Now I have to try and qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games - I hope I can make that," she said.
With the distinction of being the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, Bhavani Devi's journey at the Asian Games may have concluded, but her remarkable achievements continue to inspire. India's next appearances will be in the epee women and men foil team events.
(With PTI inputs)