MoS Raksha Khadse Reviews Preparations for Fencing Championships

Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, today reviewed preparations for the Asian Senior Fencing Championships 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, ahead of the prestigious continental championship scheduled to be held from 19 to 24 June 2026.

The championship will officially commence with a grand Opening Ceremony on June 19, 2026, from 6:00 PM onwards at Hall No. 2-3, Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan), New Delhi. The ceremony, themed “ONE DREAM | ONE BLADE | ONE PRIDE”, will celebrate the spirit of fencing, sporting excellence and international unity.

The Opening Ceremony will be graced by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. The event will also witness the august presence of distinguished international sports leaders, including Abdelmoneim El Husseiny, Acting President, Fédération Internationale d’Escrime (FIE); H.H. Eng. Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, President, Fencing Confederation of Asia (FCA); and Mr. Vitaly Logvin Grechuhin, President, Pan American Fencing Confederation (PAFC).

During her visit, Smt. Khadse was accompanied by Satej Patil, President, Fencing Association of India, and Rajeev Mehta, Secretary General, Fencing Association of India. She reviewed the competition infrastructure, athlete facilities, technology-enabled officiating systems and other arrangements being put in place for the successful conduct of the championship.(UPDATED ON 18TH JUNE 2026)