New Delhi, India, September 12, 2021: The first Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympic Games, CA Bhavani Devi, says the most important thing in fencing is to have the “right passion” for the sport.
In a video message to mark World Fencing Day on September 11, the sabre specialist answered some questions from fans and said she hoped more people would take up the sport following her appearance at Tokyo 2020.
When asked how to start fencing, she said: “To start fencing the most important thing is to be ready with your mind and to prepare your mind for the sport. Then you need to have fencing equipment, find a training place, have a coach and then just keep working hard.”
She added that people could take up fencing at the age of 6, 10, 12 or even at 15, “but the most important thing is to have the right passion for the sport. You have to follow the three Ds in your life - Discipline, Dedication and Determination – and you have to work really hard to achieve your dreams.”
Devi said people could train at home in the aspects of footwork and target training but would need training partners and a lot of fencing equipment to make training bouts.
“I hope to see more fencers from our country. Once again thank you - and I wish you all a very Happy World Fencing Day. Keep supporting us. We need all your support and encouragement,” she concluded.