Shruti Joshi, a 22-year-old fencer from Mangalwari, Nagpur, has achieved a historic milestone by winning a bronze medal in the women’s individual Sabre event at the 38th National Games in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. This remarkable achievement makes her the first-ever National Games medallist in fencing from Nagpur.
Coming from a modest background, Shruti’s journey has been filled with perseverance and determination. Her father, Dharmendra Joshi, a private car driver, and her mother, Saroj, a homemaker, have supported her dream despite financial struggles. Her father is still paying off a loan taken for her participation in international competitions.
In the National Games semifinal, Shruti put up a strong fight against India’s top fencer, CA Bhavani Devi, the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympics. Though Shruti lost 10-15, her impressive performance gained attention. “The 10 points Shruti scored against Bhavani became a talking point at the National Games. She has the potential to become the best in India,” said Nagpur Fencing Association secretary Mohammed Shoeb.
Shruti has represented India on multiple occasions. In 2019, she competed in an international championship in Jordan, and in 2023, she participated in the Asian Cadet and Junior Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Her father expressed his pride, saying, “Twice I sent Shruti to compete in international championships. Though there were some problems, as a parent, it is my duty to help Shruti achieve her dream.”
After winning her maiden National Games medal, Shruti was overjoyed. “I won a handful of medals at senior nationals, but this bronze is special as it might help me get a government job. My fight against Bhavani Devi gave me confidence to become India’s best in three years,” she said. Looking ahead, she is determined to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “To qualify, I need to participate in international competitions, but financial constraints are a big hurdle. All I can do is work hard and become India’s best fencer.”
Shruti’s passion for fencing began when she saw her cousin playing the sport. Her first coach, Ankeet Gajbhiye, and the Nagpur Fencing Association played a crucial role in her development. She currently trains at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center in Kerala under Sagar Lagu and Arun Rajkumar. With her determined spirit and continued support, Shruti aspires to bring further glory to Nagpur and India on the international stage.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com