Asian Games: Bhavani Devi Cries Foul, Says 'Referee was Not Fair'

Bhavani Devi's impressive run in the women's sabre individual category at the Asian Games 2023 ended in the quarterfinals after she was defeated by China's Yaqi Shao 7-15. It was a tough loss for her as she was just one match away from a maiden Asian Games medal and after the event, she alleged that the referee was not fair. “The referee was not fair with me in the beginning, he gave a quick series of 3-4 touches to the Chinese fencer which I was sure in my mind were actually my touches,” Bhavani told The Bridge.

“Our game is fast, you cannot give so many points away to someone so quickly. But it was my mistake too, I started worrying about things that were not in my control. A big deficit had been created and I could not make a comeback. I tried my best, so I have no regrets,” she added.

The fencer, who makes 15 touches first in a knock-out round, is adjudged winner and Shao sealed the issue in the second period without breaking a sweat.