Chennai, India, January 5, 2025: India’s Olympic fencer CA Bhavani Devi has made the perfect start to the new year – by winning her 12th national title.
The 31-year-old sabre specialist from Chennai triumphed over local favourite Alk Sunny in the women’s sabre final of the 35th Senior National Championship at the Mundayad Indoor Stadium in Kerala on Wednesday, January 1.
“Starting the year on a high note, with my 12th National Title,” she wrote on social media.
“Starting strong, staying focused and aiming for more! Huge thanks to everyone for their unwavering support. Here’s to an amazing year ahead!”
Bhavani made history by becoming the first fencer from India to qualify for the Olympic Games - at Tokyo 2020 in the women’s sabre individual, finishing with a ranking of #31. This achievement earned her the Arjuna Award for outstanding performances in sport in November 2021.
However, despite being the top seed, she missed out on Paris 2024 after losing in the semi-finals of the Asia Oceania zonal qualifiers in Fujairah, the United Arab Emirates.
Now, with her 12th national title in the bag, Bhavani is hoping this will provide a springboard to further success at the international level.
