India makes fencing history as Asian Championships open in New Delhi

New Delhi: The 2026 Asian Fencing Championships got underway in grand fashion at Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan) on Thursday, with a glittering opening ceremony marking the start of the biggest fencing event ever hosted in India. Held under the tournament’s motto, “One Dream, One Blade, One Pride”, the ceremony welcomed hundreds of elite athletes and international delegates, setting the stage for six days of high-quality continental competition.

Hosting a continental-level fencing championship for the first time is a monumental milestone for India. It marks the country’s emergence as a premier destination for world-class sports management and cements its ability to host high-stakes international competitions. Driven by rising grassroots participation and international breakthroughs, fencing is rapidly capturing the imagination of a brand-new generation of Indian athletes.

The evening was graced by Chief Guest, Mansukh Mandaviya, Honourable Union Minister for Labour and Employment and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.

In his address, he stated, “It is a matter of immense pride for us to host the Asian Senior Fencing Championship in India for the very first time, welcoming over 400 exceptional athletes from more than 30 countries. Hosting this prestigious event not only highlights India's flawless organising capabilities but injects a powerful wave of enthusiasm into the entire fencing community."

Minister Mansukh Mandaviya felicitates Abdelmoneim El Husseiny, Interim President of the International Fencing Federation 

Following his inspiring address, Mansukh Mandaviya officially declared the championship open, kicking off six days of elite, high-stakes action.

With Olympic qualification stakes on the line, a major lineup of global sports officials attended the event, marking a rare and historic gathering of continental fencing heads in New Delhi.

Lakshya, the mascot of the tournament. Pics: Limra Photographics

The international delegation in august presence included Abdelmoneim El Husseiny, Interim President of the International Fencing Federation (FIE); Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the Fencing Confederation of Asia (FCA); Gulnora Saidova, FIE General Secretary and Executive Secretary of the FCA; Ndiaye Mbagnick, President of the African Fencing Confederation; Vitaly Logvin Grechuhin, President of the Pan American Fencing Confederation (PAFC); Tamas Henriette, Vice-president and Representative of the FIE Executive Committee in the Medical Commission; and Anthony Jr. Donald, Vice-president and Representative of the FIE Executive Committee in the Promotion, Communication and Marketing Commission.

The opening ceremony featured a sequence of vibrant cultural performances that celebrated India's rich heritage and artistic diversity, captivating the international audience. Adding to the excitement, the evening saw the grand unveiling of the tournament's official mascot — a majestic tiger named "Lakshya" — symbolising the focus, agility, and fierce determination of the competing athletes. Alongside the mascot, the official tournament anthem, 'One Dream, One Blade, One Pride', was formally launched, setting a spirited and unifying tone for the days ahead.

Tags : Fencing, Asian Championships, Mansukh Mandaviya, Sheikh, Sports