Fencer Bhavani Devi confirms entry into Tokyo Olympics 2020
Bhavani Devi becomes the first-ever Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympics, as she makes her way to Tokyo.
Bhavani Devi (Source: The Indian Express)
How did she qualify?
Bhavani takes part in the Sabre event in Fencing. At the Tokyo Olympics, the individual Sabre event will comprise of of 34 entries. Out of these 34 entries, 24 entries are to be filled by members of teams that have qualified for Sabre team event. Two individual spots for Asia & Oceania are meant to be given based on the World Fencing ranking dated April 5, 2021
At the Fencing Sabre World Cup on Sunday undergoing in Budapest, home team Hungary lost in the quarterfinals to Korea, ensuring Korea progress to the semis. As Korean fencers qualify through the team ranking route, Bhavani ensured she is qualified through the Adjusted Official Ranking (AOR) method. She is currently ranked 45th in the world and occupied one of the two positions available based on rankings along with a fencer from Japan.
The qualification will be made official on April 5th when rankings are published.