SPEED, tactics and mental strength will fuel city’s star fencer Shruti Dharmendra Joshi’s campaign as she is set to represent India at the Under-23 Asian Fencing Championship to be held in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain from October 28. Shruti, part of 24-member strong contingent, is set to represent India in individual and team sabre events in Manama. Her selection comes after a rigorous selection trial held in Chennai on October 9. Shruti leaves for Bahrain on Monday and was feeling confident about her preparations for the continental event.

 

“I’m working on my speed, fitness, tactics and mental strength. Sabre is a very fast event, so every second and every point matters. I’m trying to prepare myself as much as possible and stay confident,” explained the Shiv Chhattrapati award winner to ‘The Hitavada’ from Thiruvanantharapuram on Saturday. Shruti had previously won a team gold medal along with a bronze in the Commonwealth Fencing Championship, which was held in Lagos, Nigeria, earlier this year. Capitalising on her red-hot form, the Central Indian Security Force employee, Shruti was also a part of the Indian contingent for the Asian Games and participated in women’s teams event, held in Japan, recently.

 

The Indian team, which featured Bhavani Devi, Shreya Gupta, Jefarlin JS and Shruti, beat Indonesia 45-23 in the Round of 16 before losing 45-35 to Uzbekistan in the last eight in Japan. For Shruti, the Asiad disappointment only fuelled her motivation. “I played two matches in Japan. Every match was a learning experience for me. Competing at Asian Games helped me understand where I stand and where I needed to improve. Overall, it has motivated me to work even harder toward my future goals, especially my dream of winning a medal for India,” she explained. With her eyes set on the Bahrain event, Shruti puts equal attention on mental factor in this fast-paced sport.

 

“One major lesson I have learned is that I should never give up, no matter what the score is. In fencing, the match can change in just a few seconds, especially in sabre. I have learned to stay calm, trust my preparation, and fight for every point. In Bahrain, I want to give my 100 per cent, learn from the experience, and make my country proud,” she signed off. Shruti trains under coach Sagar Lagu at the SAI’s National Centre of Excellence in Thiruvanantharapuram. She credited her first coach Ankit Gajbhiye, parents Dharmendra and Saroj, elder brother Abhishek Joshi for her selection.