JAMMU, June 11, 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir’s talented sabre fencers Shreya Gupta and Vishal Thapar have secured their places in the Indian contingent for the prestigious Asian Fencing Championships 2026 after delivering impressive performances at the final selection trials conducted at the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala.
The duo clinched the second overall position in their respective categories, earning selection to represent India at the continental championship.
The upcoming championship will be a landmark event for Indian fencing, as India will host the Asian Fencing Championships for the first time in history. The competition is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from June 19 to June 24, 2026, bringing together elite fencers from across Asia.
The tournament carries significant importance, with a top-eight finish providing qualification for the forthcoming Asian Games, adding further motivation for the Indian squad.
In the Women’s Sabre category, reigning national champion Shreya Gupta, who trains at the Vijay Bharat Academy in Ahmedabad, delivered a strong performance to finish second behind Olympian Bhavani Devi, one of India’s most accomplished fencers.
Meanwhile, in the Men’s Sabre event, Vishal Thapar of NIS Patiala also secured the runner-up position after a closely contested final against Services fencer Karan Singh.
Following their successful qualification, both athletes are currently undergoing intensive training at the national coaching camp at NIS Patiala as they prepare for the highly competitive continental championship, which is expected to feature participants from more than 25 countries.
The achievement marks another significant milestone for Jammu and Kashmir sports, highlighting the growing presence of the Union Territory’s athletes on the national and international fencing stage.
