Fencing Association announces rewards for medallists as India chase Asian Games glory

The Fencing Association of India (FAI) has announced cash rewards for Indian medal winners at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with gold medallists set to receive Rs 10 lakh.

Silver medallists will be rewarded with Rs 7.5 lakh, while bronze medallists will receive Rs 5 lakh, FAI Secretary General Rajeev Mehta said on Monday.

“Our fencers have worked extremely hard to represent India at the Asian Games. This cash prize is a small recognition of their dedication and commitment. We hope it will further motivate our athletes to compete with confidence, pride and determination and bring glory to the nation,” Mehta said.

The announcement comes as Indian fencers prepare for another opportunity to break new ground at the continental multi-sport event. India are yet to win a fencing medal in Asian Games history, making the upcoming campaign another chance for the country to end that wait.

India’s fencing campaign at the Asian Games has produced some encouraging individual performances in recent editions. At the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, Taniksha Khatri reached the quarter-finals of the women’s epee event, while Bhavani Devi also advanced to the last eight in women’s sabre. Khatri eventually finished seventh, while Devi ended her campaign in fifth place.INDIA BEGIN FENCING CAMPAIGN ON WEDNESDAY

India will have two fencers in action in the men’s foil individual event and two in the women’s epee individual competition. Sachin and Hemash Singh Sanasam will compete in the men’s foil, while Mitva Chaudhari and Taniksha Khatri will feature in the women’s epee.

The competition begins with the pool stages before the successful fencers move into the knockout rounds. The Round of 32 is scheduled from 10 a.m., followed by the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals later in the day.

India’s fencing contingent will be hoping to build on the progress made in recent years. Bhavani Devi’s historic bronze at the 2023 Asian Fencing Championships, where she became the first Indian to win a senior Asian Championships medal, was another significant milestone for the sport.

The cash incentives announced by the FAI add another layer of motivation as India’s fencers chase their first Asian Games medal. The rewards will give the athletes an added reward for what would be a historic podium finish.- EndsPublished By: sabyasachi chowdhuryPublished On: Sep 21, 2026 21:10 IST