The Fencing Association of India (FAI) has declared the senior national squad that will represent the country at the 26th Senior Asian Fencing Championships 2026, scheduled to take place in Delhi from June 19 to June 24. The announcement followed competitive national trials, as stated in an official press release.
The tournament, held at Bharat Mandapam, is regarded as a pivotal moment for Indian sport, setting the foundation for the nation’s competitive direction ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle. Over 400 top-tier athletes from more than 30 countries will participate in the event.
The Indian team consists of 24 fencers, evenly divided with 12 women and 12 men. The squad is led by CA Bhavani Devi, the first and only fencing Olympian from India.
Satej D. Patil, President of the FAI, expressed confidence in India’s ability to host a world-class fencing tournament in New Delhi and in the national team’s ability to perform strongly and earn qualification spots for the Asian Games. He said, “We are absolutely thrilled and fully confident in our capability to host an exceptional, world-class tournament here in New Delhi. I have complete faith in the preparation and talent of our Indian team to perform exceptionally well on this grand stage and secure qualification spots for the Asian Games. It is our distinct privilege to welcome the very best fencers from across the globe to India, and we look forward to witnessing an extraordinary display of sportsmanship.”
Bhavani Devi described hosting the championship as a “monumental milestone” for Indian fencing. The championship serves as a direct qualifier for the Asian Games 2026.
The FAI Selection Committee highlighted that competing against top international fencers on home soil will provide crucial experience for the national programme. They emphasized that the tournament establishes a strategic baseline that will shape Indian fencing’s preparation, competitive mindset, and progression toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The India squad for the Asian Fencing Championships is as follows:
- Women’s Foil Team: Joys Ashitha Stalinraj (20), Naorem Mina Devi (24), Sonia Devi Waikhom (21)
- Women’s Epee Team: Tanishka Khatri (23), Prachi Lohan (20), Mitva Jesangbhai Chaudhari (24)
- Women’s Saber Team: CA Bhavani Devi (32), Shreya Gupta (21), Jefarlin Jani Rexlin Simla (19), Shruthi Joshi (22)
- Men’s Foil Team: Sachin Haryana (20), Sanasam Hemash Singh (20), Aditya Haryana (20), Tejas Manoj Patil (19)
- Men’s Epee Team: Shrejin Rajendran Shanthim (23), Joseph Bennet (24), Shaurya Ashwini (19), Aloshious Koovakkal Joshy (24)
- Men’s Saber Team: Karan Singh (27), Gisho Nidhi Kumaresh Padma (33), Vishal Thapar (32), Lakshay Badser (20)
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