Asian Games 2026: FAI Announces Indian Fencing Squad; Bhavani Devi, Tanishka Khatri to Headline in New Delhi Selection
The Fencing Association of India (FAI) has officially announced a powerhouse 24-member senior national squad following competitive national selection trials. The elite contingent, evenly split with 12 women and 12 men, forms the foundation of India's campaign pointing directly toward the upcoming Asian Games 2026.
The finalized squad is scheduled to represent the host nation at the 26th Senior Asian Fencing Championships 2026 at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from June 19 to June 24. Crucially, this premier continental championship acts as the direct qualification pathway and strategic baseline for the fencers to lock in their respective positions for the Asian Games.
Bhavani Devi, Marquee Stars Lead the Charge
The Indian contingent is spearheaded by Tokyo Olympian and trailblazer C.A. Bhavani Devi, who anchors a highly experienced Women's Sabre team. Joining her as primary pillars of the national program are Karan Singh in the Men's Sabre—a silver medalist at the Paris Olympics Asian Qualifying Round—and rapidly rising star Tanishka Khatri, who anchors the women's Épée roster. Gisho Nidhi Kumaresh Padma rounds out the veteran leadership, injecting critical technical aggression into the Men's Sabre team format.
Weapon Disciplines Overview
The continental qualification and subsequent Asian Games roster features continuous team and individual structures across three core technical weapons:
- Foil: A light pushing weapon targeting points strictly on the opponent's torso.
- Épée: A heavier dueling sword utilizing the entire body from head to toe as a valid target.
- Sabre: A fast-paced, high-speed slashing weapon where points can be scored using both the blade's edge and tip from the waist up.
Complete Indian Fencing Contingent
Women's Squad
Women's Foil Team
- Joys Ashitha Stalinraj (Age: 20)
- Naorem Mina Devi (Age: 24)
- Sonia Devi Waikhom (Age: 21)
Women's Épée Team
- Tanishka Khatri (Age: 23)
- Prachi Lohan (Age: 20)
- Mitva Jesangbhai Chaudhari (Age: 24)
Women's Sabre Team
- C.A. Bhavani Devi (Age: 32)
- Shreya Gupta (Age: 21)
- Jefarlin Jani Rexlin Simla (Age: 19)
- Shruthi Joshi (Age: 22)
Men's Squad
Men's Foil Team
- Sachin Haryana (Age: 20)
- Sanamam Hemash Singh (Age: 20)
- Aditya Haryana (Age: 20)
- Tejas Manoj Patil (Age: 19)
Men's Épée Team
- Shrejin Rajendran Shanthim (Age: 23)
- Joseph Bennet (Age: 24)
- Shaurya Ashwini (Age: 19)
- Aloshious Koovakkal Joshy (Age: 24)
Men's Sabre Team
- Karan Singh (Age: 27)
- Gisho Nidhi Kumaresh Padma (Age: 33)
- Vishal Thapar (Age: 32)
- Lakshay Badser (Age: 20)