Intense Competition at Asian Senior Fencing Championships in New Delhi

The Asian Senior Fencing Championships in New Delhi showcased intense competition on Day 4, with South Korea and Japan trading gold medals in the Men's Sabre and Women's Foil events. The Indian teams displayed remarkable resilience, with the Men's Sabre squad demonstrating aggressive tactics and the young Women's Foil team gaining valuable experience. Despite finishing 10th overall, the performances highlight a bright future for Indian fencing on the international stage. Read on for detailed insights into the matches and standout athletes.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 23, 2026, 14:54 IST

Day 4 Highlights of the Championships

The fourth day of the Asian Senior Fencing Championships at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi saw a vibrant atmosphere as the focus shifted to the eagerly awaited team events, featuring Women's Foil and Men's Sabre competitions.

Korea and Japan Exchange Gold Medals

Fencing powerhouses South Korea and Japan continued their rivalry, showcasing exceptional tactical skills and speed on the piste. In the Men's Sabre Team event, South Korea, led by individual gold medalist Oh Sang-uk and defending champion Do Gyeong-dong, delivered a masterclass performance, defeating Japan in a thrilling final. Conversely, the Japanese women responded strongly in the Women's Foil Team event, with individual champion Yuka Ueno guiding her team to victory over South Korea through impeccable blade work.

Indian Teams Display Resilience

Competing on home turf, the Indian teams exhibited remarkable resilience against these elite Olympic-level competitors, ultimately achieving a commendable 10th-place finish overall.

Men's Sabre Team's Dynamic Performance

In the Men's Sabre Team event, the Indian squad, which included Vishal Thapar, Karan Singh, Gisho Nidhi Kumaresan Padma, and Lakshay Badser, showcased an aggressive approach in the early rounds, buoyed by the success of placing three fencers in the top 32 earlier in the week. Although they were stopped in the quarterfinals by a seasoned Chinese team, their talent was evident. Karan Singh, in particular, impressed with his explosive speed and quick touches, demonstrating that the Indian team can compete with the world's best.

Young Women's Foil Team Gains Valuable Experience

The young Indian women's team, consisting of Kanupriya Chawla, Joys Ashitha Stalinraj, Naorem Mina Devi, and Sonia Devi Waikhom, also showed significant determination and utilized the high-pressure environment to gain essential international experience. They narrowly missed advancing to the quarterfinals but displayed great adaptability by making sharp tactical adjustments during the matches.

Future Prospects for Indian Fencing

Despite the challenges posed by top-tier Asian nations in the demanding 45-point team format, the determination and progress exhibited by both Indian teams indicate a promising future for the country in the international fencing arena.