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Fencing Association Eyes Asian Medals & Olympic Berth as Junior Nationals Begin

The Fencing Association of India has expressed strong confidence in winning medals at Asian events and securing Olympic qualification, citing enhanced preparations and growing infrastructure. The optimism was shared during the 33rd National Junior Fencing Championship in Cuttack, Odisha. In a significant boost for the sport, India is set to host the Senior Asian Fencing Championship for the first time in 2026 in New Delhi. State officials reaffirmed Odisha's support for fencing, anticipating that local players will gain international recognition.

Key Points: FAI Confident on Asian Medals, Olympic Qualification in Fencing

  • FAI targets Asian medals & Olympic qualification
  • National Junior Championship held in Cuttack
  • India to host Senior Asian Championship in 2026
  • Odisha government pledges strong support for fencing
  • Infrastructure and player numbers have grown since 2017
2 min read

FAI confident of Asian C'ship medals, Olympic qualification as Odisha hosts National Junior Fencing Championship

Fencing Association of India targets Asian Championship medals and Olympic qualification, citing improved training and infrastructure at National Junior event.

"With the preparations we have this time, we will bring back medals from Asia and also go to the Olympics. - Rajeev Mehta"

Cuttack, January 7

Rajeev Mehta, General Secretary of the Fencing Association of India, said that the FAI is focused on promoting talented players, with strong preparations and growing infrastructure.

He expressed confidence in winning medals at Asian events and qualifying for the Olympics, citing improved training and support.

During the 33rd National Junior Fencing Championship on January 6 in Cuttack, Odisha, Rajeev Mehta, while speaking to reporters, said, "We will promote our good players. We have international events here. The better the players who go from here, the more benefit Odisha will get. I believe Odisha's representation will be good with both number of players and medals increasing. With the preparations we have this time, we will bring back medals from Asia and also go to the Olympics. Our preparation in fencing is very good. Since 2017, the number of players have increased and the players have ample equipment too now which is a significant thing since Fencing is an expensive sport."

Notably, India will host the Senior Asian Fencing Championship 2026 for the first time ever. New Delhi's Indira Gandhi Stadium will be the venue for the marquee tournament from June 18-26, marking a big step forward for the sport in the country.

Suryabanshi Suraj, Odisha Higher Education & Sports Minister, said that Odisha strongly supports and encourages fencing, expressing confidence that the state's players will perform well and achieve recognition at the international level.

"The people of Odisha have a lot of love and reverence for fencing. We will encourage them... We believe they will do very well... I hope that in the coming times, players from Odisha will make a name on the world stage," Suryabanshi Suraj said.

Debendra Kumar Sahu, the Secretary of Odisha Fencing Association, said that preparations are going smoothly with strong support from the state government and that players are happy with the well-managed accommodation and venue arrangements.

"Preparations are going very well. We are receiving support from the state government. The children are very happy. Their accommodation, along with venue arrangements, is well taken care of," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
Good to hear the confidence, but we need to see results. We've heard "preparations are good" before many events. The real test is medals at the Asian level and that Olympic qualification. Fingers crossed for our athletes.
R
Rohit P
As someone from Odisha, it's heartening to see our state getting recognition beyond cricket and hockey. Fencing is a niche sport and the government's support here is commendable. Let's build champions!
S
Sarah B
The point about fencing being expensive is key. If equipment access has improved since 2017, that's a major barrier removed. More kids from diverse backgrounds can now try the sport. Great step for inclusivity.
K
Karthik V
Hosting international events is the best way to grow a sport. Exposure for our players and officials. 2026 can't come soon enough! Hope the preparations for that are even more robust.
N
Nisha Z
It's all about sustained support. Not just during championships. Hope the association and state government have long-term plans for coaching, physio, and mental training for these juniors. The journey has just begun.

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