Vijayi Bharat Foundation Shines at Senior Ranking Fencing Tournament 2026-27
VBF's Medal Triumph
Fencers representing the Vijayi Bharat Foundation (VBF) achieved remarkable success by winning seven medals in the women's foil, sabre, and epee categories at the recently held 1st Senior Ranking Fencing Tournament 2026–27 in Ahmedabad. The highlight was in the women's foil event, where Dippanshi Netam, Jasmine, and Kanupriya clinched gold, silver, and bronze, respectively, capturing three of the four available medals.
Overview of the Tournament
The tournament was organized by the Amateur Fencing Association of Gujarat State under the auspices of the Fencing Association of India, featuring competitions in women's foil, sabre, and epee, as stated in a press release from VBF.
Additional Achievements
VBF athletes also excelled in women's sabre and epee events. Nitika secured a silver medal in sabre, while Vandita Barad and Abi Devi Laishram earned bronze medals in the same category. Nelcyrose Devi contributed another bronze in women's epee, bringing VBF's total medal count to seven across the three disciplines.
Medal Distribution
The breakdown of medals is as follows:
| Event | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women's Foil | Dippanshi Netam | Jasmine | Kanupriya |
| Women's Sabre | N/A | Nitika | Vandita Barad, Abi Devi Laishram |
| Women's Epee | N/A | N/A | Nelcyrose Devi |
Athletes' Reflections
Dippanshi Netam expressed her joy over winning gold, stating, "Achieving gold at a senior ranking tournament is incredibly fulfilling, especially since competing at this level pushes you to elevate your performance. The hard work during training has paid off, and sharing the podium with Jasmine and Kanupriya made it even more memorable. The support I received throughout my preparation has been invaluable, and I aim to build on this success for future competitions."
Coach's Insights
VBF Coach Vijay Kumar commented on the athletes' performances, saying, "It’s uplifting to see our athletes earn medals in foil, sabre, and epee. The sweep in the women's foil event is a notable accomplishment, showcasing the consistency and composure needed at this level. The medals in sabre and epee also indicate progress across various disciplines. Our athletes have dedicated themselves to training, and these results will bolster their confidence and provide essential learning experiences as they advance. We will continue to focus on refining their techniques and preparing them for future challenges."
VBF's Commitment to Fencing
The seven medals underscore VBF's commitment to nurturing competitive fencing talent through structured training and coaching. The Foundation actively supports athletes in foil, sabre, and epee at its high-performance facility in Ahmedabad. Beyond tournament outcomes, VBF remains dedicated to fostering fencing talent through comprehensive training, coaching, and opportunities for competition at the senior level. By investing in athlete development, the Foundation aims to enhance their competitive skills and facilitate their progression to higher levels of national and international competition.