India Prepares for 26th Senior Asian Fencing Championships in Delhi

India's National Fencing Team Announced for Asian Championships

The Fencing Association of India (FAI) has revealed the senior national team that will compete in the 26th Senior Asian Fencing Championships 2026, set to take place in Delhi. This announcement follows a series of competitive national trials, as stated in a recent press release.

Scheduled from June 19 to June 24 at Bharat Mandapam, this tournament marks a significant milestone for Indian sports, laying the groundwork for the nation’s competitive journey towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Over 30 nations and more than 400 top-tier athletes are expected to participate in this thrilling event. The Indian squad comprises 24 athletes, equally divided between 12 men and 12 women, with CA Bhavani Devi, India's first fencing Olympian, leading the team.

Satej D. Patil, the President of the FAI, expressed optimism about India's capability to host a premier fencing event in New Delhi. He also voiced confidence in the Indian team's potential to achieve strong results and secure spots for the Asian Games.

“We are excited and fully confident in our ability to host a remarkable tournament here in New Delhi. I trust in our team's preparation and talent to excel on this grand stage and earn qualification for the Asian Games. It is a privilege to welcome the best fencers from around the world to India, and we anticipate an extraordinary exhibition of sportsmanship,” he remarked.

Star fencer Bhavani Devi highlighted the significance of hosting such a prestigious tournament for Indian fencing.

The stakes are high in New Delhi, as this championship serves as a direct qualifier for the much-anticipated Asian Games 2026. The FAI Selection Committee emphasized that competing against top-tier athletes on home turf is essential for the national program's growth. They noted that this tournament will serve as a strategic foundation for Indian fencing's preparation and competitive mindset leading up to the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

Here is the Indian squad for the Asian Fencing Championships:

• Women’s Foil Team: Joys Ashitha Stalinraj (20), Naorem Mina Devi (24), and Sonia Devi Waikhom (21).

• Women’s Épée Team: Tanishka Khatri (23), Prachi Lohan (20), and Mitva Jesangbhai Chaudhari (24).

• Women’s Sabre Team: C.A. Bhavani Devi (32), Shreya Gupta (21), Jefarlin Jani Rexlin Simla (19), and Shruthi Joshi (22).

• Men’s Foil Team: Sachin Haryana (20), Sanasam Hemash Singh (20), Aditya Haryana (20), and Tejas Manoj Patil (19).

• Men’s Épée Team: Shrejin Rajendran Shanthim (23), Joseph Bennet (24), Shaurya Ashwini (19), and Aloshious Koovakkal Joshy (24).

• Men’s Sabre Team: Karan Singh (27), Gisho Nidhi Kumaresh Padma (33), Vishal Thapar (32), and Lakshay Badser (20).