Although she was knocked out of the medal race in her second match only, her memorable performance at the world’s biggest sporting event was enough to make every Indian proud. 

 

Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Bhavani’s journey to become a fencer is quite interesting. In 2003, while enrolling for school sports, Bhavani got late and had not much choice while choosing a sport since seats for all other sports had been filled.

 

However, there were enough seats left in fencing, which was not seen as a popular sport. There was no looking back for Chadalavada Anandha Sundhararaman Bhavani.

 

She went on to become an eight-time national champion in fencing.  Bhavani was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on her return from Tokyo. As a gesture of gratitude, she gifted her fence to PM Modi.

 

 

 

The sword that brought glory to an entire nation is available on auction for anyone to own and make a keepsake. It has a red-coloured handle with a signature of Bhavani on its sabre guard. The fence has been included in the e-auction of gifts and souvenirs received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. One can participate in the e-auction at pmmementos.gov.in which will continue till October 7, 2021.

 

Prime Minister Modi has conducted such auctions of his gifts and memorabilia in the past as well. In one such auction in 2019, the government had received Rs 15 crore 13 lakh, and the entire amount was deposited in the 'Namami Ganga Kosh' to make the Ganga clean and pure. This time also the amount received from the auction will be given to 'Namami Ganga Kosh.