New Delhi [India], June 25 (ANI): As the ultimate echo of clashing metal pale into the night air, the grand stage of Bharat Mandapam reworked into a panoramic theatre of sunshine, color, and cultural majesty.
The historic, inaugural internet hosting of the twenty sixth Asian Senior Fencing Championship on Indian soil reached its emotional crescendo with a spectacular Closing Ceremony, weaving collectively the fierce ardour of elite sport with the timeless, welcoming heat of Indian heritage.
Marking a monumental milestone, the six-day elite continental showcase formally drew its curtains on the iconic venue (Pragati Maidan), cementing India’s rising status as a world hub for world-class sports activities administration.
Under the inspiring match motto, ‘One Dream, One Blade, One Pride,’ the championship introduced collectively greater than 400 world-class athletes and worldwide delegates from over 34 international locations. The high-stakes match served as an important proving floor for continental fencing applications as groups chart their lengthy roadmap towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Following six gruelling days of particular person and workforce competitors throughout all three weapons (Foil, Epee, and Sabre), Japan completed with the best whole medal tally of 6 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze medals, securing their standing because the 2026 Championship winners.
South Korea completed intently behind in second place with a complete of 10 medals, dominating the Sabre workforce brackets, whereas Kazakhstan locked down third place on the power of their historic Women’s Epee sweep with 5 medals.
For the host nation, the match was an impressive administrative success and a technical leap ahead. Spearheaded by the Fencing Association of India (FAI), the occasion supplied invaluable publicity to native rising stars.
Top-25 finishes by India’s Prachi Lohan (Women’s Epee) and Sachin (Men’s Foil), alongside resilient performances from Tokyo Olympian C.A. Bhavani Devi and rising star Taniksha Khatri, showcased that India is quickly closing the aggressive hole in opposition to Asia’s elite fencing methods.
The night featured a mesmerising sequence of conventional and fashionable Indian cultural performances that showcased the nation’s wealthy heritage, drawing immense applause from the visiting worldwide contingent. The enviornment got here alive as a vibrant tapestry of unity as athletes marched side-by-side in a lovely parade of flags, celebrating worldwide camaraderie.
The celebration quickly dissolved right into a sensory feast of rhythm and motion, that includes the thunderous beats of conventional Indian drumming paired with flawlessly synchronised choreography. Even the beloved match mascot, ‘Lakshya’–the majestic tiger whose spirit completely encapsulated the pace, precision, and fierce willpower proven by the opponents all through the week–joined the celebration, dancing alongside the performers.
The night’s formal proceedings featured key addresses from the management panel.
Kiren Rijiju, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs & Minority Affairs (Government of India), attended because the Chief Guest, congratulating all of the individuals and highlighting the speedy, inspiring rise of fencing infrastructure throughout the nation.
He mentioned, ‘Fencing is a extremely strategic, fashionable sport with a major variety of Olympic medals up for grabs, providing India an incredible alternative to excel on the worldwide stage. I’m delighted to see it rising so quickly amongst our youth, and I reiterate my agency dedication to completely help and prolong all needed help to advertise additional. It is actually encouraging to see greater than 30 nations and over 400 fencers taking part as India proudly hosts this magnificent Asian Fencing Championship right here in New Delhi. My heartfelt congratulations to all of the medal winners, and my compliments to each participant for demonstrating the true essence of sportsmanship.’
Representing the worldwide governing physique, Anthony JR Donald, Vice-president & Member of the Executive Committee of the International Fencing Federation (FIE), extremely recommended New Delhi’s spectacular organisational excellence and heat hospitality.
‘On behalf of the International Fencing Federation, I categorical our honest gratitude to the Fencing Federation of India and the folks of New Delhi for his or her heat hospitality and wonderful organisation, making this championship actually unforgettable. Athletes from throughout Asia have demonstrated outstanding ability and willpower, superbly reflecting the core values of fencing: respect, equity, and unity. As fencing continues to develop globally in direction of LA 2028, I invite the fencers of all nations to hold this unbelievable spirit ahead to subsequent yr’s championship in Abu Dhabi. May the spirit of fencing proceed to encourage us all,’ he mentioned.
Concluding the addresses, Rajeev Mehta, Secretary General of the Fencing Confederation of Asia & Fencing Association of India, addressed the gathering and prolonged a heartfelt vote of thanks. ‘As Secretary General of the Fencing Association of India and the Fencing Confederation of Asia, I prolong my heartfelt gratitude to the FIE, FCA, and all 27 taking part nations for making this championship a monumental success. We are completely thrilled to have efficiently hosted our esteemed visitors and athletes right here in New Delhi. My deepest thanks go to our Chief Guest, Kiren Rijiju, for his unwavering encouragement and dedication to elevating Indian fencing. We are additionally immensely grateful to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for his or her invaluable, fixed help. Together, our collective efforts have paved the best way for an unforgettable match.’
The formal proceedings drew to a detailed with the official extinguishing of the match flame and the symbolic reducing and handing over of the Fencing Confederation of Asia (FCA) flag to the hosts of the following version, signalling the tip of an unforgettable chapter in Asian sports activities historical past. (ANI)