India’s top sabre fencer C.A. Bhavani Devi delivered a commendable performance at the 2025 Asian Fencing Championships in Bali, finishing 10th overall in the women’s sabre individual category.
Summary in 90 :
Bhavani Devi finished 10th in the women’s sabre event at the 2024 Asian Fencing Championships in Bali. After an impressive run in the pool stage with five wins, she dominated Vietnam’s fencer 15-4 in the Round of 32. However, she narrowly lost 14-15 to Kazakhstan’s Aigerim Sarybay in the Round of 16, ending her campaign just short of the quarterfinals. The Tokyo Olympian had created history last year by winning India’s first-ever medal at the Asian Championships. Despite the loss, Bhavani’s consistency continues to inspire Indian fencing’s rise.
The Tokyo Olympian and 2023 Asian bronze medallist bowed out in the Round of 16, suffering a narrow 14-15 defeat to Kazakhstan’s Aigerim Sarybay, ending her medal hopes in heartbreaking fashion.
Strong Start in the Pools
Bhavani Devi, currently India’s highest-ranked and most decorated fencer, began her campaign on a strong note in the pool stage, where she registered five victories, including a notable win over a fencer from powerhouse China. Her agility, tactical awareness, and sharp attacking instincts were evident early on as she dominated her group to earn a favourable draw in the direct elimination rounds.
Her pool performance once again reinforced her standing as one of Asia’s elite sabre fencers. Bhavani showed consistency in footwork, and her ability to time attacks and parries proved key in overcoming opponents with varying styles and speeds.
Comfortable Win in Round of 32
In the Round of 32, Bhavani faced off against a fencer from Vietnam. The bout was largely one-sided, with the Indian registering a clinical 15-4 victory. Bhavani controlled the tempo from the outset, racking up points with sharp ripostes and aggressive forward movement. It was a dominant display that suggested she was peaking at the right time.
The win set up a clash in the Round of 16 with Aigerim Sarybay of Kazakhstan, a technically sound opponent known for her counter-attacking finesse. It promised to be a high-intensity bout — and it delivered.
Round of 16: A Bout of Fine Margins
Bhavani’s encounter with Sarybay turned out to be one of the most closely fought matches of the day. Both fencers were locked in a tactical battle, exchanging points in a back-and-forth contest that never allowed either to break away. At 14-14, it all came down to the final touch a moment of fine margins where Sarybay managed to land the decisive strike.
It was a heartbreaking result for Bhavani, who had fought tooth and nail throughout the match. While she showed excellent control and made tactical adjustments during the bout, Sarybay’s final lunge proved just enough to deny the Indian a spot in the quarterfinals.
Progress Reflected in Performance
Despite the narrow defeat, Bhavani Devi’s 10th-place finish is a strong result given the depth of talent in the field. This year’s Asian Championships featured Olympic medallists, top-ranked fencers from China, Korea, and Japan, and a growing level of competition across Central Asia. Bhavani’s top-10 finish is another sign of her consistency at the continental level and reaffirms her position among Asia’s best.
This performance builds on her historic showing in 2023, where Bhavani made history by becoming the first Indian fencer to win a medal at the Asian Fencing Championships, clinching bronze and setting a new benchmark for Indian fencing.
Her Bali campaign also comes at a critical phase of her preparation for the LA 2028 Olympic qualification, with ranking points and match practice now at a premium. The close loss, while disappointing, offers valuable lessons and motivation for the upcoming international events.
The Road Ahead
Bhavani Devi will now shift focus to the remaining World Cup and Grand Prix events, which will play a key role in her bid to qualify for her second Olympic Games. With her current world ranking hovering around the qualification cut-off, each result from here on will be crucial.
Backed by support from the Sports Authority of India and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Bhavani has also been training extensively in Europe under foreign coaches. Her improved tactical approach, ability to manage pressure, and enhanced athletic conditioning were all on display in Bali signs that her preparation is on track.
While Bhavani Devi’s Asian Fencing Championships campaign ended in disappointment, her performance showed promise and reaffirmed her elite status in the continent. A top-10 finish, five wins in the pool, and a commanding R32 victory signal that she remains a strong contender on the Asian circuit.
The 14-15 loss in the Round of 16 was a painful exit, but Bhavani’s resilience and skill continue to inspire the next generation of Indian fencers. With the Paridream still alive, India’s fencing star will be eyeing redemption and a podium in the months to come.
