Bhavani went under the knife more than a month ago.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
India’s top fencer and Asian Games medal hopeful Bhavani Devi has undergone shoulder surgery in Italy to get fit in time for the quadrennial event later this year.
Currently at the Circolo Scherma Fides fencing club in Livorno, Bhavani, who last participated at the Istanbul Satellite Tournament in October 2025, winning silver in Sabre, went under the knife more than a month ago and is still on a rehab programme to ease into training.
“I had been managing persistent pain since 2024 and underwent surgery for right shoulder labrum micro-instability,” Bhavani told The Hindu from Italy. “We initially attempted a conservative rehabilitation approach, but it wasn’t providing the long-term stability needed for elite competition.”
“I am following a structured rehab programme. I am respecting the healing process and am eager to hold my sabre again soon, gradually returning to peak physical condition. My goal remains unchanged — I am working toward a podium finish at the Asian Games with the Asian and World Championships later this year among my targets,” the 32-year-old added.
The surgery, rehab and training to the tune of Rs. 16 lakh is being completely supported by the Sports Authority of India through the Target Asian Games Group scheme, expanding the existing scope of the programme from training, competition exposure and coaching support to overseas medical treatment and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Published – January 22, 2026 08:18 pm IST
