New Delhi, India, March 18, 2021: India’s athlete of the moment, Bhavani Devi, has paid tribute to the Fencing Association of India for their role in helping her qualify for Tokyo 2020 and described her success as a team effort.
In a Facebook post on March 17, the first ever Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympic Games said: “I would like to thank the Fencing Association of India, President Mr. Rajeev Mehta, Secretary Mr. Bashir Ahmed Khan and Treasurer Mr. Ashok Dudare for their constant support.
“This success is ours and it would not have been possible without the entire FAI team.”
Rajeev Mehta is also Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association.
In an earlier post, shortly after qualifying for Tokyo 2020, the 27-year-old sabre specialist from Chennai said: “Chase your dreams and dreams do come true.”
Bhavani qualified for Tokyo 2020 this summer by securing a slot through the Asia/Oceania Zone of the Adjusted Official Ranking.
“A moment to remember forever. A moment for which all the sacrifice, hard work, pain, obstacles, challenges, stress, ups and downs, joy and sorrow I went through was worth it. A journey that started alone but was fulfilled with the support of many. And the journey continues,” she added.