In a major boost to fencing in India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has sanctioned a grant of ₹6 crore for the conduct of the 26th Asian Senior Fencing Championships 2026, which will be held in New Delhi from June 19 to June 24. The financial support comes as India prepares to host the continent’s premier fencing event for the first time in its history.
The championship will be staged at the iconic Bharat Mandapam and is expected to attract more than 400 elite athletes from over 30 countries across Asia and Oceania, along with technical officials and delegates from the continental federation.
The event marks the first occasion that India has hosted a continental-level fencing championship, a significant achievement for the sport’s governing body, the Fencing Association of India. According to official championship documents, the event will also host the 39th General Assembly of the Fencing Confederation of Asia, further enhancing India’s profile within the international fencing community.
Widely regarded as the “Asia Cup” of fencing, the championship is among the most prestigious events on the continental calendar. Results from the tournament contribute to international rankings and play a key role in qualification pathways for major competitions, including future Olympic cycles.
The Fencing Association of India has named a 24-member national squad, comprising 12 men and 12 women, for the championships. The team will be led by C. A. Bhavani Devi, India’s first and only Olympic fencer.
While more than 30 nations are expected to compete, Pakistan has decided not to send a team despite receiving an invitation from organizers. Other participating nations from across Asia and Oceania are expected to field full-strength contingents.
The funding is expected to help cover venue operations, competition management, logistics, technology, athlete services, accommodation support, and international event requirements associated with hosting a championship of this scale. The grant also reflects a broader push to elevate India’s presence in global sport and strengthen its bid to host major international competitions in the coming years.
