New Delhi, June 16: The Fencing Association of India (FAI) has officially announced the senior national team for the 26th Senior Asian Fencing Championship 2026. This prestigious event will take place from June 19 to 24 at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Over 400 top athletes from more than 30 countries will participate in the competition. The Indian team comprises 24 athletes, equally divided between 12 men and 12 women, led by India’s first and only fencing Olympian, Chadalavada Anandha Bhavani Devi.
Satej Patil, President of the Fencing Association of India, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled and fully confident about hosting a spectacular, world-class tournament in New Delhi. I trust in the preparation and talent of the Indian team to perform excellently on this grand stage and secure qualification spots for the Asian Games. It is a matter of great pride for us to welcome the best fencers from around the world. We eagerly anticipate witnessing extraordinary sportsmanship.”
Star fencer C.A. Bhavani Devi remarked, “Hosting such a major tournament is a significant achievement for Indian fencing. Competing on such a prestigious platform in front of our home audience is a tremendous honor and an excellent opportunity for advancement. This championship is a crucial step in our quest to qualify for the upcoming Asian Games. It marks a fantastic start to our long journey towards the LA 2028 Olympic cycle.”
The significance of this event in New Delhi is immense, as it serves as a direct qualification route for the upcoming Asian Games 2026. The FAI selection committee emphasized that competing against top-tier athletes on familiar pistes provides essential high-level challenges for the development of our athletes. They highlighted that this tournament will be a strategic milestone in shaping the future direction, preparation, and competitive attitude of Indian fencing leading up to the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
Indian Team Composition:
Women’s Foil Team: Joyce Ashita Stalinraj, Naorem Meena Devi, and Sonia Devi Waikhom.
Women’s Epee Team: Taniska Khatri, Prachi Lohan, and Mitwa Jesangbhai Chaudhary.
Women’s Sabre Team: C.A. Bhavani Devi, Shreya Gupta, Jeferlin Jani Rexlin Simla, and Shruti Joshi.
Men’s Foil Team: Sachin Haryana, Sanasam Hemash Singh, Aditya Haryana, and Tejas Manoj Patil.
Men’s Epee Team: Shrijin Rajendran Shantim, Joseph Bennett, Shaurya Ashwini, and Aloysius Koovakkal Joshi.
Men’s Sabre Team: Karan Singh, Gisho Nidhi Kumaresh Padma, Vishal Thapar, and Lakshya Badsar.
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