Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated India’s first-ever fencer in the Olympics CA Bhavani Devi for her commendable performance in Tokyo Olympics. Bhavani is the first Indian fencing player to win a match at the Olympics as she registered a 15-3 win against Tunisia’s Nadia Ben Azizi. However, in the next round, she competed against Rio Olympics semi-finalist Frenchwoman Manon Brunet and lost 7-15.
After losing against Brunet, the Indian fencer took to Twitter and apologised for not making it to the next level. “Big Day. It was Excitement & Emotional. I won the First Match 15/3 against Nadia Azizi and become the First INDIAN Fencing Player to win a Match at Olympic but 2nd Match I lost 7/15 against world top 3 player Manon Brunet. I did my level best but couldn’t win. I am sorry,” Bhavani Devi wrote.
“Every end has a beginning, I will continue my practice and definitely work hard to win a medal at the next Olympics in France and make my country proud. I want to thank each one of you who stood by me,” she added.
PM Modi was fast to react to her tweet, stating that wins and losses are a part of life “You gave your best and that is all that counts. Wins and losses are a part of life. India is very proud of your contributions. You are an inspiration for our citizens,” PM Modi wrote in his tweet.
Bhavani Devi was grateful to receive well wishes and compliments from Indian PM and wrote “When your inspiration icon calls you an inspiration, what better day I can ask for…You stood by me even at losing…this gesture and leadership has given me boost.”
