India Set to Host the 2026 Asian Senior Fencing Championships
India is gearing up to make history by hosting the Asian Senior Fencing Championships 2026 in New Delhi. This major event is scheduled from June 19 to June 24 at the iconic Bharat Mandapam.
This championship is particularly special as it marks India’s first continental fencing event. Known as the ‘Asia Cup’ of fencing, it is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the Asia-Oceania region. The 2026 edition is not just a competition; it also serves as a qualifier for the upcoming Asian Games and provides essential ranking points that will influence standings on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Alongside the championships, New Delhi will host the 39th Fencing Confederation of Asia (FCA) General Assembly. This is a significant milestone as it is the first time India is welcoming top sports officials from across the continent.
Rajeev Mehta, Secretary General of the Fencing Confederation of Asia and the Fencing Association of India, expressed his excitement, stating, “Hosting these championships is a pivotal moment for Indian sports. We are welcoming elite athletes to our city and building a path for future Olympic successes. Our athletes have proven their ability to win on a continental level, and this tournament will give them a chance to shine in front of their home crowd.”
Mehta also highlighted India’s dedication to innovation, mentioning the introduction of an AI Video Referral System to enhance the sporting experience. “We believe this event will inspire generations and position India as a key player in global fencing.”
The championship will showcase top-tier talent, including world-ranked athletes and Olympic champions. Fans can look forward to seeing names like Cheung Ka Long from Hong Kong, the reigning Olympic Individual Foil Gold Medalist; Oh Sang-uk from South Korea, the Olympic Individual Sabre Gold Medalist; and Yamada Masaru from Japan, a renowned figure in Men’s Épée.
A total of 32 countries will participate in this grand event, showcasing the rich diversity in fencing talent across the continent.
Participating Countries Include:
- Australia
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- China
- Chinese Taipei
- Hong Kong
- India (Host)
- Iran
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lebanon
- Malaysia
- Mongolia
- Nepal
- New Zealand
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka
- Syria
- Thailand
- Turkmenistan
- United Arab Emirates
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Yemen
As the host, India will feature a talented squad of 24 fencers, including standout athletes like Bhavani Devi, who is celebrated for being the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics and recently won a bronze at the 2023 Asian Championships. She is joined by Karan Singh, who recently earned a silver in the Asian Olympic Qualifying Round for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Tanishka Khatri, a fast-rising star, and Gisho Nidhi, a seasoned competitor.
Fencing is an exciting, tactical sport derived from traditional swordsmanship, where athletes use electronic sensors to track points scored during matches. The championship will include 12 events, with both individual and team formats for men and women across three weapon categories: Foil, Épée, and Sabre. A total of 48 medals will be awarded.
Additionally, the Fencing Association of India recently launched the world’s first training workshop for an AI Video Referral System, making this championship a global testing ground for advanced sports technology.
About the Fencing Association of India (FAI)
Fencing made its debut in India during the 1970s, and the Fencing Association of India was established in 1974. The FAI is the governing body for fencing in India, affiliated with the International Fencing Federation and the Fencing Confederation of Asia. With 25 state associations, the FAI focuses on promoting fencing at the grassroots level, ensuring technical excellence, and aiming to elevate Indian fencers on the global stage.
