Pune: Bhavani Devi felicitated during formal inauguration of 33rd Senior National Fencing Championship
Pune, March 25, 2023: Bhavani Devi, the first Indian fencer who qualified for Olympics, on Saturday remarked that fencing as a sport was growing in the country and urged parents to continue supporting young fencers, who take up the combat sport.
“I am happy that fencing as a sport is growing in India and I can see the enthusiasm from players. Last season, it was the first time that in the Women’s Sabre World Cup, we had more than 12 fencers from our country, which is a very big thing,” Bhavani Devi said.
“Right now we have a good team in the Federation and I could see the encouragement from them. They are having high hopes in our athletes and I see junior athletes also taking part in more competitions,” she elaborated.
Bhavani Devi was speaking during the formal inauguration of the 33rd Senior National Fencing Championship at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Mhalunge-Balewadi where she was felicitated by the Fencing Association of India President Satej Patil in presence of FAI Secretary Rajeev Mehta, working president Bashir Ahmed, Maharashtra Fencing Association secretary Uday Dongare, FAI Joint Secretary Debendra Sahoo, former FAI secretary Ashok Dudhare, MFA working president Prakash Katule, office-bearers Rajkumar Suryawanshi, Abhay Katekar, MFA consultant Avinash Dudhane, DY Patil University Campus Director Vikram Singh among others were present on the occasion.
“It is not just the result, it is not just the hard-work, you need to have the same enthusiasm and that has helped me continue with the sport. I request parents and supporters to keep supporting fencers to continue their passion,” she signed off.
Satej Patil said, “As the President, it is my ambition to make fencing one of the top popular sports in the country. We are spreading awareness about the game among the youth.”
Photo Caption Photo 1: CA Bhavani Devi was felicitated during the formal inauguration of the 33rd Senior National Fencing Championship by Fencing Association of India President Satej Patil at Shivchhatrapati Sports Complex. (From left) Abhay Katekar, Devendra Sahoo, Vikram Singh, Uday Dongare, Satej Patil, Rajeev Mehta, Bashir Ahmed, Ashok Dudhare, Prakash Katule and Rajkumar Suryawanshi.
