New Delhi: The Fencing Association of India (FAI) has announced a formidable national squad for the Asian Fencing Championships 2026, set to be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from June 19 to 24. The tournament marks a historic milestone as India hosts the continental championship for the first time.
The Indian contingent features a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents across foil, épée and sabre disciplines. Leading the charge is Olympian Bhavani Devi, India’s most accomplished fencer, who will spearhead the women’s sabre team in front of home fans. Several national champions and international performers have also earned places in the squad following their performances at domestic and international events.
The championship is expected to attract elite fencers from more than 30 countries across Asia and Oceania, making it one of the most competitive events on the continental calendar. Besides continental honours, the tournament carries significant ranking points and serves as an important step in the qualification pathway for major international competitions, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2026 Asian Games.
India has intensified preparations ahead of the event, with national camps and specialised training programmes conducted at high-performance facilities, including the newly established fencing centre at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala. The initiative is aimed at improving India’s competitiveness against Asia’s traditional fencing powerhouses.
Hosting the championship is being viewed as a landmark moment for Indian fencing, offering local athletes the rare opportunity to compete against world-class opposition on home soil. Officials believe the event will help boost the sport’s popularity and inspire the next generation of fencers across the country.
With a balanced mix of youth and experience, the Indian team will be looking to deliver strong performances and make the most of home advantage when the continent’s best fencers assemble in the national capital later this week.
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