Exciting Start to Senior Asian Fencing Championships 2026 in New Delhi

The Senior Asian Fencing Championships 2026 began with a vibrant opening in New Delhi, featuring intense competitions in Men's Sabre and Women's Foil. Indian fencers showcased their skills, with standout performances from Vishal Thapar and Kanupriya Chawla. While South Korea and Japan dominated the podium, India's athletes made significant strides, setting the stage for future competitions. As the tournament progresses, the focus shifts to other weapon disciplines, highlighting the growth of India's fencing program.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 20, 2026, 14:19 IST

Inauguration of the Championships

The Senior Asian Fencing Championships 2026 commenced with great enthusiasm on Friday at the renowned Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event kicked off at 9:00 AM IST, featuring thrilling preliminary pools and initial elimination rounds in two key individual categories: Senior Men's Sabre and Senior Women's Foil. According to a statement from the Fencing Association of India (FAI), India's top fencers showcased remarkable athleticism, setting a high standard as they prepare for the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle. While South Korea, Japan, and China dominated the podium, Indian fencers displayed commendable determination, achieving significant milestones on the continental stage.

Highlights from Senior Men's Sabre

In the Senior Men's Sabre event, South Korea's star fencer Oh Sanguk lived up to expectations, winning the Gold medal after a fierce competition against China's Luo Shaotong. The joint bronze medals were awarded to South Korea's Do Gyeongdong and Japan's Tsumori Shido, completing the top three positions.

Promising Performance by Indian Men

The Indian men's team had a promising showing, with three athletes making it to the prestigious top 32 of the tournament. Vishal Thapar led the charge, finishing 22nd overall, while Karan Singh secured 25th place after a tough battle. Gisho Nidhi Kumaresan Padma followed closely, finishing 28th. Lakshay Badser also put forth a strong effort, narrowly missing the top-32 elimination bracket with a 33rd place finish.

Japanese Excellence in Senior Women's Foil

The Senior Women's Foil event was dominated by the Japanese team, with World No. 5 Yuka Ueno winning the continental title in an all-Japan final against her teammate Sera Azuma, who took home the Silver medal. The Bronze medals were shared by Japan's Komaki Kikuchi and Hong Kong's Daphne Chan Nok Sze.

Kanupriya Chawla Shines for India

Kanupriya Chawla emerged as a standout performer for Team India, advancing significantly in the knockout rounds to achieve a commendable 20th place finish in Asia. Her teammates, Joys Ashitha Stalinraj, Naorem Mina Devi, and Sonia Devi Waikhom, faced tough competition from elite teams, gaining valuable international experience despite finishing 43rd, 45th, and 46th, respectively.

Looking Ahead

With the individual events in Sabre and Foil concluded, attention now turns to the remaining weapon disciplines. The first day has established a strong foundation for India's burgeoning fencing program, demonstrating that the home team can compete effectively against Asia's best under intense pressure at Bharat Mandapam.