Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse reviewed preparations for the Asian Senior Fencing Championships 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, ahead of the championship scheduled from 19 to 24 June 2026. The event marks India's first time hosting this prestigious continental championship, featuring participation from 36 countries with 787 total accreditations comprising 406 athletes, 75 coaches, 9 managers, 13 support staff, 40 delegates, 28 volunteers, and 151 Local Organising Committee staff.
The championship will commence with a grand Opening Ceremony on June 19, 2026, from 6:00 PM onwards at Hall No. 2-3, Bharat Mandapam, themed "ONE DREAM | ONE BLADE | ONE PRIDE". Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, will serve as Chief Guest, with international sports leaders including Abdelmoneim El Husseiny (Acting President, Fédération Internationale d'Escrime), Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi (President, Fencing Confederation of Asia), and Vitaly Logvin Grechuhin (President, Pan American Fencing Confederation) in attendance.
During her review, Minister Khadse examined competition infrastructure, athlete facilities, technology-enabled officiating systems, and advanced sports technologies being deployed. She emphasized that the event reflects India's emergence as a global sporting destination under the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 vision, which focuses on sports infrastructure development, athlete support, and international event hosting capabilities. The Minister expressed confidence in the preparedness and appreciated the efforts of the Fencing Association of India and all stakeholders involved in organizing the championship.