Asian Fencing C'ships: Former medalist Bhavani Devi to lead Indian squad- Preview

The Fencing Association of India (FAI) has officially announced the senior national squad for the upcoming Asian Fencing Championships in New Delhi, India, following highly competitive national trials.

Taking place at Bharat Mandapam from June 19 to June 24, this landmark home tournament represents a definitive turning point for Indian sports, acting as the foundation to define India's competitive trajectory for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle.

More than 30 countries and over 400 elite athletes will be participating during the high-octane competition period. The elite Indian contingent consists of 24 players, evenly split with 12 female and 12 male athletes, led by trailblazer C.A. Bhavani Devi, India’s first and only fencing Olympian.

"Hosting a tournament of this magnitude is a monumental milestone for Indian fencing," said star fencer C.A. Bhavani Devi. Playing in front of our home crowd on such a prestigious platform is an incredible honour and an immense opportunity for growth.

This championship is a critical stepping stone in our outlook to qualify for the upcoming Asian Games, and it serves as the perfect launchpad for our long-term road to the LA 2028 Olympic cycle.

The stakes in New Delhi could not be higher, with this landmark championship serving as a direct qualifier for the highly anticipated Asian Games 2026.

The FAI Selection Committee noted that testing our athletes against absolute legends on home pistes is exactly the high-calibre catalyst the national program needs.

They emphasised that this tournament serves as the crucial strategic baseline that will define Indian fencing's pathway, preparation, and competitive mindset on the long road to the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

Indian Squad for Asian Fencing C'ships 2026:

Women’s Foil Team: Joys Ashitha Stalinraj, Mina Devi Naorem, Kanupriya Chawla and Sonia Devi

Women’s Épée Team: Tanishka Khatri, Prachi Lohan, Yashkeerat Kaur and Mitva Chaudhari

Women’s Sabre Team: C.A. Bhavani Devi, Shreya Gupta, Jefarlin J. S., and Shruti Joshi

Men’s Foil Team: Sachin, Hemash Singh, Aditya, and Tejas Patil

Men’s Épée Team: Shrejin Shanthim, Joseph Bennet, Shaurya Ashwini, and Aloshious Koovakkal Joshy

Men’s Sabre Team: Karan Singh, Gisho Nidhi Kumaresh Padma, Vishal Thapar, and Lakshay Badser

Schedule of Asian Fencing C'ships 2026:

19th June - Women's Foil & Men's Sabre Individual events

20th June - Women's Sabre & Men's Epee Individual events

21st June - Women's Epee & Men's Foil Individual events

22nd June - Women's Foil & Men's Sabre Team events

23rd June - Women's Sabre & Men's Epee Team events

24th June - Women's Epee & Men's Foil Team events