A two-time gold medalist at the Commonwealth Championships, Indian sabre fencer Bhavani Devi, who will be representing her country at the Asian Games scheduled this year, has currently undergone a right shoulder injury for labrum micro-instability. Bhavani last featured in the Istanbul Satellite Tournament, in which she won a silver medal in the women’s Sabre event held in October 2025.
Extending support for her surgery, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), in collaboration with the Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) scheme, had provided a sum of Rs. 16 Lakh aimed at her medical procedure and rehabilitation process. The Indian fencer from Chennai has been currently training at the Circolo Scherma Fides in Livorno and is aiming to make a strong comeback post injury.
In a recent interview done post-surgery, Bhavani discussed the struggles pertained through the injury and what led to the decision to go through the process of recovery to avoid any risk for future participation.
Bhavani said, “I had been managing persistent pain since 2024. I recently underwent surgery for right shoulder labrum micro-instability. We initially attempted a conservative rehabilitation approach, but it wasn’t providing the long-term stability needed for elite competition. To avoid any risks during the crucial championships, we decided surgery was the best path forward.”
The sabre fencer was, however, grateful of SAI’s support in supporting and providing financial help for her surgery.
“I am respecting the healing process and am eager to hold my sabre again soon. I am grateful to SAI and Fencing Association of India for their support during this critical recovery phase,” she added.
Meanwhile, Bhavani has kept her focus and is trying her best to recover herself and make herself healthy in order to make a strong performance at the 2026 Asian Games. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4. In addition to that, she has also set her mark to participate in the upcoming tournaments to be held this year, including the Asian Fencing Championships as well as the World Championship.
“My goal remains unchanged: I am working toward a podium finish at the Asian Games 2026. My primary targets are the Asian Fencing Championships and the World Championships later this year. I am being patient with my body to ensure that when I compete, I am at 100%,” she concluded.
(Quotes sourced from Sportstar)
