JAMMU: Two talented fencers from Jammu and Kashmir have achieved a significant milestone by qualifying for international competitions, including the highly anticipated Asian Games in China and Italy. In an official statement, the Fencing Association of India announced that selection trials were conducted for the upcoming 4th Senior Asian Fencing Championship in China, the World Fencing Championship in Milan, Italy, and the prestigious Asian Games in China.
The trials took place on June 5 at the Sri Fort Indoor Sports Complex in Delhi, where Vishal Thappar and Rishika Khajuria, representing Jammu and Kashmir, were successfully chosen as the selected fencers. The decision was based on their exceptional performances at the 2022 senior nationals and Nationals Games. Both fencers specialize in the Sabre event and have been honing their skills at the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council Fencing Training Centre located at the Maulana Azad Stadium, under the guidance of esteemed J&K Sports Council coaches Shotu Lal Sharma and Rachna Jamwal.
Notably, these accomplished fencers are also beneficiaries of the Khelo India National Centre of Excellence Scheme, initiated by the Government of India. Nuzat Gull, the Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, expressed immense delight and pride at the historic achievement, as this marks the first time that fencers from Jammu and Kashmir have been selected to represent India at such esteemed international competitions.
Rashid Ahmed Choudhary, the convener of the Adhoc Committee of J&K Fencing, along with other members including Supriya Chouchan and Maninder Pal Aingh, along with the entire athlete fraternity, extended their warmest congratulations and best wishes to the selected fencers for their upcoming tournaments.
