India’s Fencing Dream Team Sets Off for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan

New Delhi, Sept 17 — In a modest airport terminal buzzing with the usual hustle, a convoy of black SUVs rolled out, carrying what many are calling India’s most ambitious fencing delegation to date. Twenty athletes, five coaches and a physiotherapist—yes, twenty fencers—embarked on a flight bound for Aichi‑Nagoya, Japan, where the 2026 Asian Games kick off on Sept 19.

At the heart of the squad is Olympian C A Bhavani Devi, the trail‑blazing sabre star who now shoulders the captain’s armband. Her calm confidence seems to rub off on the younger guns, especially as they settle into their seats, clutching their gear like a comforting talisman.

The women’s sabre line‑up reads: Bhavani Devi, Shreya Gupta, Jeferlin J S and Shruti Joshi. Over in the women’s épée camp, Taniksha Khatri, Mitva Chaudhari, Yashkeerat Kaur and newcomer Anupriya—who’s stepping in for the injured Prachi Lohan—prepare to clash blades. The foil brigade features Joys Ashita, N Mina Devi, Kanupriya Chawla and Sonia Devi Waikom.

On the men’s side, the sabre squad comprises Karan Singh, K P Gishonidhi, Lakshay Badser and Vishal Thapar, while the foil team includes Sachin, Sanasan Hemash Singh, Adiya and Tejas Patil. A quick glance at the roster shows a mix of seasoned campaigners and hungry newcomers, all hoping to write their names into Asian Games history.

Behind the athletes, a steady hand of guidance awaits: coaches Vijay Kumar, Gyanendra Kumar, Mohit Ashwini, Sagar Lagu and Tukaram Mehatra, plus physiotherapist Nikita Pandey, who will keep the fencers limber and injury‑free. The team’s logistical backbone is led by Bharatji Thakor, with delegates Devendra Kumar Sahu and O K Vineesh slated to join the group in Japan on Sept 23.

There’s a small, but noteworthy, twist to the roster: Anupriya’s inclusion hinges on final nods from the Indian Olympic Association and the Sports Ministry. If all goes well, she’ll take the épée piste in Prachi Lohan’s stead, bringing fresh energy to the line‑up.

Now, with the plane soaring over the clouds, the Indian fencing family will spend the next few days fine‑tuning strategies, adjusting to the time difference and maybe sharing a few jokes about “who’ll finally win that elusive gold”. The real test, of course, begins when they step onto the mats in Nagoya, facing the continent’s sharpest swordsmen and women.

Whatever the outcome, this squad marks the largest ever Indian representation in fencing at the Asian Games—a milestone that promises to inspire the next generation of blade‑wielders back home.