Bhavani Devi to Lead India as FAI Announces Squad for Historic Asian Senior Fencing Championships

The Fencing Association of India (FAI) has unveiled a 24-member Indian squad for the 26th Asian Senior Fencing Championships 2026, with trailblazing Olympian C.A. Bhavani Devi leading the nation’s challenge in what promises to be a landmark event for Indian fencing. 

Scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from June 19 to June 24, the championship marks the first time India will host the continent’s premier fencing competition.

Featuring more than 400 elite athletes from over 30 countries, the tournament is expected to be one of the biggest sporting events on India’s fencing calendar. Beyond continental honours, the championships are also viewed as an important stepping stone towards the 2026 Asian Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle, making squad selection especially significant.

The Indian contingent will be spearheaded by C.A. Bhavani Devi, the country’s first and only Olympic fencer, who continues to be the face of Indian fencing on the international stage.

The 32-year-old has broken numerous barriers during her career, becoming the first Indian to compete in Olympic fencing while also consistently producing strong performances on the Asian circuit. Competing in front of a home crowd offers Bhavani another opportunity to inspire the next generation while guiding a youthful Indian squad. Speaking ahead of the tournament, she described hosting the championship as a major milestone for Indian fencing and emphasised its importance as part of the nation’s long-term preparations for future international competitions.

The FAI has selected a balanced team covering all three Olympic disciplines—foil, épée and sabre—with equal representation across men’s and women’s events.

Women’s Foil

India’s women’s foil team comprises Joys Ashitha Stalinraj, Naorem Mina Devi and Sonia Devi Waikhom, all of whom have gained valuable domestic and international experience in recent years.

Women’s Épée

The women’s épée squad features Tanishka Khatri, Prachi Lohan and Mitva Jesangbhai Chaudhari, with the trio aiming to challenge some of Asia’s strongest competitors.

Women’s Sabre

Leading the women’s sabre lineup is Bhavani Devi, joined by promising talents Shreya Gupta, Jefarlin Jani Rexlin Simla and Shruthi Joshi, creating a blend of experience and youth.

Men’s Foil

The men’s foil team includes Sachin Haryana, Sanasam Hemash Singh, Aditya Haryana and Tejas Manoj Patil, all of whom earned their places through competitive national selection trials.

Men’s Épée

Representing India in men’s épée will be Shrejin Rajendran Shanthim, Joseph Bennet, Shaurya Ashwini and Aloshious Koovakkal Joshy.

Men’s Sabre

The men’s sabre squad consists of experienced names Karan Singh, Gisho Nidhi Kumaresh Padma and Vishal Thapar, alongside emerging talent Lakshay Badser.

Hosting the Asian Senior Fencing Championships represents a watershed moment for the sport in India. Traditionally dominated by countries such as South Korea, Japan, China and Hong Kong, the continental championships provide Indian athletes with the rare opportunity to compete against Asia’s best without travelling overseas.

Competing at home not only reduces logistical challenges but also offers the advantage of familiar conditions and home support, factors that can play a significant role in high-pressure competitions.

The event is also expected to increase public awareness of fencing, a sport that has steadily gained popularity in India over the past decade.

The stakes at the championships extend beyond medals. According to the FAI, the competition serves as an important benchmark in shaping India’s preparations for future international events, including qualification pathways and ranking opportunities linked to the Asian Games and the broader LA 2028 Olympic cycle.

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Exposure against elite Asian opposition will allow Indian fencers to evaluate their progress, identify areas for improvement and gain valuable competitive experience.

For younger athletes in the squad, performing well against established international stars could accelerate their development and establish them as future leaders of Indian fencing.

FAI President Shri Satej D. Patil expressed confidence in both the organisational capabilities of India and the quality of the national team. He highlighted the significance of welcoming top international fencers to New Delhi and voiced optimism that the Indian contingent would rise to the occasion while competing for qualification opportunities and strong performances on home soil.

The federation also believes that exposing Indian athletes to world-class competition in their own country will strengthen the national programme and lay a solid foundation for future success.

Fencing is one of the oldest Olympic sports and combines speed, strategy and technical precision.

Athletes compete using one of three weapons:

• Foil, where points are scored by striking the opponent’s torso with the tip.

• Épée, where the entire body is a valid target.

• Sabre, the fastest discipline, where competitors can score with both the edge and tip of the blade on targets above the waist.

Electronic scoring systems ensure every touch is registered accurately, making fencing one of the most technologically advanced combat sports in the Olympic programme.

With Bhavani Devi leading a talented 24-member squad and India preparing to host its first-ever Asian Senior Fencing Championships, expectations are high for a memorable week in New Delhi. While challenging Asia’s traditional powerhouses will not be easy, the opportunity to compete at home against elite opposition represents a major step in the evolution of Indian fencing.

For many athletes in the squad, the tournament could define the next phase of their careers and provide invaluable momentum as they pursue success at the Asian Games and ultimately the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.