Namita Nayyar:
In 2015, you became one of the 15 athletes selected ‘Go Sports Foundation’ for the Rahul Dravid Athlete Mentorship Programme. They have played an instrumental role in arranging for your training equipment for fitness and sport. Throw some light on the same.
Bhavani Devi:
In 2013 I tried for an elite scholarship program from Tamil Nadu govt and I didn’t get it so I was very disappointed but my family supported me a lot to travel for competitions and training. Financial struggles and other problems pushed me to take a decision to quit this sport. In 2015 my friend applied for this scholarship program and I didn’t expect that I would get selected and from then I decided to do my best efforts for my dream. They helped to get the right fitness, nutrition, and sometimes travel with a coach for competitions and training .
Namita Nayyar:
In 2017, you became India’s first international gold medallist in fencing at the Women’s World Cup satellite tournament in Iceland. How tough was the experience and how did it help you mature in a sport not very popular in India. Your advice to young men & women who wish to pursue this sport at a competitive level.
Bhavani Devi:
A week Before this competition, I didn’t perform well in the Tunis world cup. I was angry as well as sad because I worked very hard. So after Tunis, I wanted to win Gold in this and my coach Nicola too told me that you can win this. I travelled alone for the competition and from the first match till taking the last final match point I was very focused and continued to believe in myself. When I won I was very happy and thought the coach was here and turned towards the back but later I realised I was alone. But I continued to enjoy the moment. But it helped and encouraged me to believe in myself more and to continue working hard.
