It was a momentous day for Bhavani Devi when she became the first Indian woman fencer to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. She made history by winning her first match at the Tokyo Olympics. It was a big achievement in itself as no Indian female fencer had reached that level. Though she crashed out of the medal race in the next match, it was enough to lift India’s hopes and aspirations.
The full name of Bhavani Devi, who hails from Tamil Nadu, is Chadalavada Ananda Sundhararaman Bhavani Devi. She started her sports career in 2003, but had no interest in fencing. There is a very interesting story behind Bhavani Devi’s choice for fencing. When she decided to take part in the school games, she came to know that only six children from each class would be selected for the games. By the time Bhavani’s turn came, the children had been selected in all the games. As destiny would have it, no child had enrolled for fencing. Without battling eyelid, she enrolled herself in this fairly new game and began training. And the rest is history.
She has been an eight-time national champion in fencing. Bhavani, who created history by winning her first match in the Olympics, was among others felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On the occasion, she gifted the same fence to the Prime Minister.
The historic fence which is now the pride of the country can be yours and you can cherish that moment forever. This fence has been included in the e-auction of gifts and mementos received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If you want to own this fence, participate in the e-auction at pmmementos.gov.in/ from 17th September to 7th October 2021.
Earlier also, the gifts received by the Prime Minister have been auctioned. The last time such an auction took place was in 2019. In that auction, the government earned Rs 15.13 crore. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the entire amount was deposited in ‘NamamiGangeKosh’ to make Ganga clean and pure. This time also the auction proceeds will go to ‘NamamiGangeKosh’.
