For an athlete who was forced to choose her sport as it was the only option left at school, Chadalavada Anandha Sundhararaman Bhavani Devi has come a long way.
She created history by becoming the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympics. Devi won a quota through the Adjusted Official Ranking (AOR) method after the Budapest World Cup in March.
The 27-year-old from Chennai started her career by training with bamboo sticks. Devi took baby steps in fencing in 2004 while studying at the Muruga Dhanushkodi Girls' Higher Secondary School.
Today, waiting for her debut at the biggest stage in world sports - the Olympics - she knows all eyes will be on her. Her success will inspire many like her to rise from humble beginnings to pursue excellence in sports. That was one of the reasons she became associated with RIN. Excerpts from an interaction, where she talks about the association and her journey so far:
Q\ What is your purpose behind associating with this campaign?
A\ RIN is the first ever brand to have associated with me. They felt my story deserved to be told because it was extremely relatable and also reflects the struggles of millions of others in our country.
Their #AbWaqtHaiChamakneKa draws attention to real-life tales of courage and sheer determination of people having written their own destiny, overcoming challenges and odds of what life threw at them. The core philosophy fitted beautifully with my life’s trials and tribulations and hence made sense to me completely.
Q\ When and how did you get inspired to practise fencing?
A\ I was in sixth standard when I came across this sport at my school. There were six options, including fencing. All the others were filled by the time I joined and was left with fencing. I found it quite unique and that is when I started practising it.
Q\ What kind of fitness is required in fencing?
A\ Fencing is a multi-faceted discipline and requires a complete body and mind workout. This is achieved by implementing the three crucial skills of fencing: blade work, footwork and tactics. Fencing is a combat sports hence needs to be executed without a pause. One has to be fast, agile and maintain the right balance along with good coordination and strength. One requires high level of body skills, co-ordination, and flexibility and reaction skills, including perception to be able to excel in this sport.
Q\ What were the challenges faced by you and your family after you took up this sport?
A\ My journey against the patriarchal notions, began right from childhood till the time I became a successful fencer. My first fencing kit was an expensive purchase, especially when we had limited means. My mother financed my training by pawning her gold and encouraging me in my pursuit. Every day was a challenge, when I used to go home exhausted from the training schedule but I never gave up. Any dream worth pursuing will have a back story of countless sacrifices and challenges but if one is resolute and determined, one can achieve the impossible.
Q\ Being a woman, what difficulties did you face, both professionally and personally while practising fencing?
A\ On the professional front, it took hours and hours of sincere and rigorous training for me to start seeing fruitful results. At times it did get difficult and weary but my focus on the sport and determination, my mother’s belief in me helped me overcome those tough times and continue playing the sport. Personally, throughout my journey, I came across many people who condemned my unconventional choice of sport and asked me to give up fencing citing that it is not a career option for a woman. I did not allow this to discourage me or to diminish my passion towards fencing. Thankfully, my family’s constant support and faith in me encouraged me to keep me going in this journey.
Q\ What are your plans and goals for the Olympics?
A\ This is the first time that I will be representing my country in an international sport event and it feels like a dream come true. I look forward to enjoying each moment of this journey and sincerely hope I can come back with a gold for the sake of my family, my country and my long-cherished dream.
Q\ What’s your message to women looking forward to learn fencing?
A\ My message to those who wish to choose fencing as their career would be to be bold, strong and to believe in yourself. Mental and physical toughness is crucial to excel in any sport and this is like no other.